Honda promises to push for visa reform with gay rights in the next Congress

I missed it yesterday, but Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) pledged yesterday to re-introduce the Reuniting Families Act in the GOP-run House next session. The bill would overhaul the slow, backlogged system for doling out family reunification visas, which some argue motivates visa applicants to immigrate illegally instead.

The More…

Will Immigration Reform Include Provisions for Gay Couples?

Comprehensive immigration reform already stands on shaky ground, but what would happen if a reform bill included a provision that granted gays and lesbians the right to petition for their partners to gain legal status?

Although some proponents of reform argue it is an issue of equality, others More…

Evangelical Leaders Support Immigration Reform — as Long as It Doesn’t Include Gay Rights

Supporters of immigration reform are hoping evangelicals will be able to push Republicans to support reform — but at what cost? In The New York Times, Laurie Goodstein looks at the vocal support for immigration reform by evangelical leaders. Although Congress is not expected to pass reform during More…

The Week in Immigration News

A roundup of the top immigration stories of the week:

- Arizona’s SB 1070 immigration law had its first day in court Thursday, when a judge heard a challenge of the law from a Phoenix police officer but issued no ruling. District Court Judge Susan Bolton will hear More…

Gutierrez and Honda Push for Gay Rights in Immigration Law

Reps. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and Mike Honda (D-Calif.) will endorse legislation today that would ease immigration for gay and lesbian couples. The Uniting American Families Act, which was introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) in early 2009, would allow citizens and legal permanent residents to bring foreign same-sex More…

Rep. Honda: Slander of Muslims Is ‘Slander Against Democracy and Religious Freedom’

Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.), the chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, just released this statement blasting recent Republican accusations that the Council on American-Islamic Relations has sent interns to Capitol Hill to spy on the U.S. government and advance a radical Islamist More…

Religious Groups to Pray With Lawmakers for Immigration Reform

Pro-immigrant religious groups with about 700 members from nine different states plan to rally this afternoon on the West Lawn of the Capitol to press for immigration reform.

Immigrants, including veterans fighting deportation, will speak at the event, as will Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who, with House and Senate allies, More…