Probably an obvious question, but... gay marriage?

[shaggy_mutt 0]

This really shows how antiquated/old fashioned the immigration system is (not to mention the minds of some people). I used to think as a child the U.S. was the most advanced nation leading the world in freedom and justice. Ignorance is truly bliss. -Jeff

It has nothing to do with the system being "antiquate", it is NOT legal at the moment. I'm all for gay marriage but you can't blame the system that is based upon US FEDERAL law in which it is not legal. If US law changes, then so will USCIS eventually.

australia allows immigration for persons in intimate relationship, and does not even require marriage.

I can't imagine the level of visa fraud that would take place if an "intimate relationship" were all that it would take to get a visa here.

[mkg265 2]

Until the mid 90's the United States stated on the documents that a person had to sign for their visa that he or she was not gay (or mentally challenged). I hope this anti gay marriage fervor is looked upon in the future with the same disdain as the 3/5 compromise.

[ssgtam08 0]

Not for nothing, this might be one of those cases the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) would take up if you were serious about it.

[Anna and Jeff 3]

This really shows how antiquated/old fashioned the immigration system is (not to mention the minds of some people). I used to think as a child the U.S. was the most advanced nation leading the world in freedom and justice. Ignorance is truly bliss. -Jeff

It has nothing to do with the system being "antiquate", it is NOT legal at the moment. I'm all for gay marriage but you can't blame the system that is based upon US FEDERAL law in which it is not legal. If US law changes, then so will USCIS eventually.

thetreble - I think you meant to say the Visa process is functioning correctly according to the US political model. I would agree completely with that statement. I disagree when you state "it has nothing to do with the system being antiquated". There is a definite relationship. It goes without saying systems such as Visa processing are based upon the legal system. We can take it further and state the laws are made by politicians who are following the will of the populous.

System - "antiquated"

Laws - "out of touch with the rest of the developed world"

People - "old-fashioned"

The objects above are related and interchangeable with my opinions of them shown in quotes. My intention was to allude to that analogy in my previous comment. This post will hopefully help to clarify and expand upon that a bit. We shouldn't blame bureaucrats but supporters of gay marriage can certainly criticize the system, the laws, and an apparent majority of the population. That is how change occurs.

Change has to start with the people on the issue of gay marriage. We just voted against gay marriage in CA over ruling politicians who made it legal. It is now in our state constitution that gay marriage is not recognized. CA is generally considered a progressive state. Given that I do not expect the visa laws to change anytime soon. Politicians must ignore what they know to be right on this issue and follow the electorate with the issue. They do not have a choice and can't be faulted either. - J

[HighwayStar 0]

Just for the record: in my home country of Italy (which I suppose is also part of the developed world) gay marriage is not recognised, same as any other form of civil partnership. Of course there is a reason for this - the overwhelming influence of the Catholic Church, which happens to have its headquarters on our territory. So, it's not only the US that denies this possibility, and I am sure there are other countries in Europe that do the same.

[alexpapa 4]

There are only 6 countries in the world that recognize same-sex marriages (not including regions of countries, or civil unions)

Belgium

Canada

Netherlands

Norway

South Africa

Spain

[SAT 9,609]

There are only 6 countries in the world that recognize same-sex marriages (not including regions of countries, or civil unions)

Belgium

Canada

Netherlands

Norway

South Africa

Spain

Someone should buy an island (Like Iceland, cause it's cheap right now). And start a new gay country....may be call it......The People's Republic Of Gaynada......

But how will they repopulate

[alexpapa 4]

There are only 6 countries in the world that recognize same-sex marriages (not including regions of countries, or civil unions)

Belgium

Canada

Netherlands

Norway

South Africa

Spain

Someone should buy an island (Like Iceland, cause it's cheap right now). And start a new gay country....may be call it......The People's Republic Of Gaynada......

But how will they repopulate

why?

[SAT 9,609]

There are only 6 countries in the world that recognize same-sex marriages (not including regions of countries, or civil unions)

Belgium

Canada

Netherlands

Norway

South Africa

Spain

Someone should buy an island (Like Iceland, cause it's cheap right now). And start a new gay country....may be call it......The People's Republic Of Gaynada......

But how will they repopulate

why?

It was just a wise crack....

I remain neutral in this whole issue. Neither an advocate nor an adversary. Here in NYC, we have enclaves for everyone. Every culture, race, and creed you can imagine. Why not have a gay nation somewhere?

[alexpapa 4]

There are only 6 countries in the world that recognize same-sex marriages (not including regions of countries, or civil unions)

Belgium

Canada

Netherlands

Norway

South Africa

Spain

Someone should buy an island (Like Iceland, cause it's cheap right now). And start a new gay country....may be call it......The People's Republic Of Gaynada......

But how will they repopulate

why?

It was just a wise crack....

I remain neutral in this whole issue. Neither an advocate nor an adversary. Here in NYC, we have enclaves for everyone. Every culture, race, and creed you can imagine. Why not have a gay nation somewhere?

probably because they want to live anywhere they want with the same freedoms as everyone else (and not Iceland) - but that's just my opinion

[SAT 9,609]

There are only 6 countries in the world that recognize same-sex marriages (not including regions of countries, or civil unions)

Belgium

Canada

Netherlands

Norway

South Africa

Spain

Someone should buy an island (Like Iceland, cause it's cheap right now). And start a new gay country....may be call it......The People's Republic Of Gaynada......

But how will they repopulate

why?

It was just a wise crack....

I remain neutral in this whole issue. Neither an advocate nor an adversary. Here in NYC, we have enclaves for everyone. Every culture, race, and creed you can imagine. Why not have a gay nation somewhere?

probably because they want to live anywhere they want with the same freedoms as everyone else (and not Iceland) - but that's just my opinion

Just because China exists, doesn't mean we don't welcome the Chinese to USA right?

Perhaps you should go read my post of The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus......

[jundp 191]

If she is Dutch they should be looking at the US fiance going to the Netherlands - same sex unions are legal there and a Dutch national is allowed to sponsor a same sex partner. Their relationship is only a problem if they are insistent upon being in the US.

Also, many other countries in Europe recognize same-sex unions for the purpose of immigration, including Germany. There are more than 6 countries that allow immigration of a same-sex partner, but they don't call it "marriage."

Edited January 19, 2009 by jundp

[ronjie 0]

they should compromise. and maybe she will marry a man and immigrate and the three of them can live happily ever after...

[bhajishah 4]

Get out of here, its aginast the law to immigrate lesbians via marriage

[bhajishah 4]

who wants to be like any of those countries they arent modern they are just screwed up!!