News (USA)

Married partner faces deportation hearing as a result of ‘Defense of Marriage Act’

Married partner faces deportation hearing as a result of ‘Defense of Marriage Act’

MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts speaks with Josh Vandiver and Henry Velandia, a binational same-sex couple married last year in Connecticut, where gay marriage is legal.

As a result of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Velandia is ineligible for a spouse visa and will be deported unless the courts rule on the unconstitutionality of DOMA or a bill passes in Congress challenging DOMA.

Velandia is facing deportation hearing on May 6. Watch:

Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-New Jersey) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano last week, asking her to suspend deportation proceedings on bi-national same-sex couples until a decision is reached on DOMA, which has been declared unconstitutional in federal court.

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Catholic Diocese urges Rhode Island lawmakers to reject civil unions bill

Previous article

Virginia AG cuts ties with King & Spalding for dropping DOMA defense

Next article