Three Democratic senators have written a framework for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a call for an end to discrimination against LGBT binational families. Senators Harry Reid (NV), Chuck Schumer (NY) and Robert Menendez's (NJ) principles are meant to guide Congressional crafting of immigration reform legislation.
Immigration reform is one of Congress' top priorities and the senators' principles specifically call for key provisions of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) to be part of a future reform bill. Also included is the DREAM Act, a path to citizenship for undocumented students, and a recommendation for national ID cards.
An estimated 36,000 face imminent separation or exile because of discriminatory immigration policies. UAFA is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, and in the House by Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York.
[Immigration Equality] expressed dismay, however, over a proposal to implement a de-facto program for National ID Cards. Such a proposal, known as biometric identification, would be particularly troublesome for transgender immigrants, who struggle to get identity documents which match their correct name and gender. In addition, a biometrics system would "out" transgender people, including United States citizens, which could impact their employment as well.
Senator Schumer is the lead on passing immigration reform through the Senate.