Here is another case that Holder is trying to use to stop deportations.
"This was an extraordinary measure by the Obama administration and demonstrates a clear commitment to nullify the Defense of Marriage Act," Mundy said of Holder's action. "It's a far-reaching victory not only for same-sex couples but for immigration reform."
The Obama administration in February said it would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court.
Holder wanted the immigration judges to reconsider the case before the federal appeals court took up the gay couple's constitutional challenge, said Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler.
People who are facing deportation can ask immigration judges let them stay in the U.S.
To qualify for a "cancellation of removal," a person must have been in the U.S. 10 years and have a qualifying relative, such as an American citizen spouse or children. The person also must show good moral character and that the deportation will cause "exceptional and unusual hardship" to the qualifying relative.
Lavi Soloway, a New York immigration attorney and founder of Immigration Equality, a group that advocates for the immigration rights of gay couples, said he considers Holder's decision good news for gay people. Gay couples are barred from sponsoring their partners for immigration visas and denied other immigration benefits provided heterosexual couples.
"This is the right path.
Until Congress can pass legislation to remedy this, the executive branch can and should act," Soloway said.
Read more:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011...#ixzz1LYILiuhv
05-05-2011, 10:47 PM
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