BILL NUMBER: AJR 15	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Members De Leon, Ammiano, and John A. Perez

                        APRIL 20, 2009

   Relative to the Uniting American Families Act.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AJR 15, as introduced, De Leon. Uniting American Families Act.
   This measure would urge the Congress of the United States to pass,
and President Obama to sign, the Uniting American Families Act and
support the removal of legal barriers to immigration by permanent
same-sex partners.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Every American is entitled to equal protection under the
law; and
   WHEREAS, Federal law does not currently recognize permanent
same-sex partners for immigration purposes; and
   WHEREAS, This results in thousands of United States citizens being
forced into exile to be with foreign born partners, causing
unnecessary hardship, separation from family members and careers, and
loss of valuable skills and resources for our country; and
   WHEREAS, The Uniting American Families Act has been introduced in
Congress by Senator Patrick Leahy and Representative Jerrold Nadler
to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and allow United States
citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor same-sex partners
for immigration; and
   WHEREAS, The promotion of family unity should be an integral part
of our nation's immigration policy, and all Americans should have the
opportunity to be with their loved ones; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly and the Senate of the State of
California, jointly, That the Legislature and the State of California
urge the United States Congress to pass and President Barack Obama
to sign the Uniting American Families Act at the earliest possible
date and support the removal of legal barriers to immigration by
permanent same-sex partners; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United
States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to each
Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the
United States.