Any GBLT expats?

[From_Turin_To_Austin]

Hi, couple from Austin, TX and Turin, Italy here. We would like to hear from other GLBT couples who already experienced the US Immigration process or are dealing with it right now, like we are. Are you simply waiting for the U.A.F.A. to pass in Washington or did you find a path to the right visa with a green card to follow? Looking forward to read your (hopefully inspirational) stories. Thanks!

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by From_Turin_To_Austin

Hi, couple from Austin, TX and Turin, Italy here. We would like to hear from other GLBT couples who already experienced the US Immigration process or are dealing with it right now, like we are. Are you simply waiting for the U.A.F.A. to pass in Washington or did you find a path to the right visa with a green card to follow? Looking forward to read your (hopefully inspirational) stories. Thanks!

Not GLBT but can tell you you've got access to any of the other routes into the US apart from the spousal one. It's usually a lot easier to head towards making a home in Europe. No idea about Italian rules (although I lived in Pinerolo for 18 months a long time ago!), but in places such as the UK you would have no problems immigration-wise.

Really think that waiting for middle America to accept the idea and pass appropriate legislation will take more than a generation. Don't forget it's taken 2 generations since the Civil Rights Movement to get a presidential candidate who isn't a crusty, old, white guy. I really think he only got it because he has sticky-out ears like Nixon, though.

So if family's out, you've got work, money or some of the miscellaneous ones left. Diversity visa should be opening up in a few months -- if you qualify. You want any more help, you'll have to bring something to the table as I'm not playing 101 questions to tease it out of you.

[Tiffani]

Hi there. My boyfriend is also from near Torino

Unfortunately, the US doesn't recognise same-sex marriages for immigration purposes yet. The tide is turning, however, and it's a matter of time before it ends up sitting at the Supreme Court to decide how the entire country is going to view same-sex spousal equivalency. How long that takes is another matter, though.

I'm not sure I agree with FatBrit that it will take another generation to change the legislation (although it undoubtedly will take that long for the attitude of the American people at large to change)... despite Justice Scalia's -- I think it was Scalia, anyway -- recent comments to the contrary, sometimes it IS the job of the Supreme Court to be the moral guide of the country.

But you are looking at several years before all of this is enforced, so it's better to look for a different route. There's always the Diversity Visa Lottery, or perhaps a working visa if your partner is able to find a US sponsor.

Good luck!

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by Tiffani

I'm not sure I agree with FatBrit that it will take another generation to change the legislation (although it undoubtedly will take that long for the attitude of the American people at large to change)... despite Justice Scalia's -- I think it was Scalia, anyway -- recent comments to the contrary, sometimes it IS the job of the Supreme Court to be the moral guide of the country.

USSC is one vote away from becoming another arm of the United Corporations of America! Decisions are now split 4-4 with Kennedy holding the swing vote.

[Tiffani]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

USSC is one vote away from becoming another arm of the United Corporations of America! Decisions are now split 4-4 with Kennedy holding the swing vote.

that's disheartening

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by Tiffani

that's disheartening

Dunno -- it was about the last hope through the dark days of the last 7 plus years of our regime. Hell, they've even restored habeas corpus! So it did work as the framer's intended: three separate but equal branches of government.

And the light will soon be shining again come January.

[From_Turin_To_Austin]

Wow.. we are all paesani then. I am from Ivrea: pretty much the same distance from Pinerolo to Turin, but to the north of Turin. What town is your bf from Tiffani?

Well, I know same-sex couples don't qualify for any particular visa and are not even taken into consideration by the law. Except when a foreign is coming to the USA on a work visa and the same-sex partner wants to come along. But in this case both are foreigners. Instead, the foreign half of a binational same-sex couple can only rely on traditional paths, that have nothing to do with the relationship with the US citizen.

I agree with Tiffani and hope to see some major change in the near future. First of all there's the same-sex marriage situation. If it can survive the November ballot in CA, then there is a real good chance that someone is going to have to put hands at the situation at the Federal level. That is even more likely to happen in the next few days if MA is going to struck down the 1913 piece of legislation that makes it impossible for non-resident same-sex couples to get married in MA. That would really open the floodgates, I think, creating two hubs for same-sex couples. I have little doubt it would contribute to accellerate the already mounting chaos regarding the exact legal consequences that these weddings have in other states. I hope the increasing legislative chaos that will result is going to push the political forces to face the issue and create a system of Federal rules (hopefully embracing the need for equality). A recognition at that level would impact immigration law as well. Now, honestly am not sure if the US Supreme Court would even intervene on the issue... much less in which way. Like Fatbrit said, there is such a tight balance among the judges right now. I guess I should do a little research on the matter.
But apart from the same-sex marriage there is also another front, targeting more directly the issue of glbt binational couples through the promotion of the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow foreign gay and lesbian partners of US citizens to have a place in the immigration process, just like it already happens with foreign heterosexual parners of US citizens. It's basically stuck, but media don't talk about it cos the spotlights are all on the marriage issue. Well, actually Republicans have raised a wall to sink the measure in the Congress... using pretty cheap arguments too. Bottom line: even most of the US GLBT people know nothing about it. And that's a shame.

I think a lot will depend on who's going to be the next President of the USA. So will have to wait and see what happens in November. I'm already keeping my fingers crossed now. I was in TX when Bush got his second term, so I think this time I will wait in Italy: yeah, a little superstition! lol
After all my partner and I have already been waiting five years, so I guess I could wait a few more months.

Anyway, when I posted my message I was hoping other couples had been through the same experience and were willing to share, that's all.

BTW residing in Europe is not so easy because of the language barrier. UK maybe... but the weather?!?! LOL. Have thought about Canada, instead. I know I'd like it better than the USA, but my partner is very attached to his country and would rather not (be forced to) live in exile.

[From_Turin_To_Austin]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

And the light will soon be shining again come January.

It better be!!!

[Tiffani]

well I'll be... Edoardo is from Ivrea as well! that's so weird I loved Ivrea when I went there last year to meet his family; it's one of the most picturesque places I have ever been.

I wasn't aware that foreign heterosexual partners of American citizens had recourse for immigration based on that (apart from the K Fiance visa which requires marriage within a few months of arrival). When I moved to Australia with my partner, we were considered to be in a "de facto" marriage because we'd been shackin' up for a couple of years But I don't think that America recognises that as valid.

On the other hand, it looks like you've been doing a lot more research into this than I have, so I would hope that you're right.

I'm not sure that the new President will make a big difference, at least in the short-term. If the next Congress is largely Democratic and Obama wins, things will look much more positive for these kinds of issues but I don't think they'll be at the top of the priority list for the new executive or the new legislative.

I hope you can find a solution anyway, either in the short or the long-term. Good luck!

[Tiffani]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

And the light will soon be shining again come January.

I sincerely hope so!