This week has been marked by a number of landmark "firsts" in federal immigration law. Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee convened the first-ever hearing on inequality for same-sex couples. Today, Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) introduced the "Reuniting Families Act," marking the first time in Congressional history that same-sex couples have been included as part of a multi-issue immigration bill.

The Reuniting Families Act would allow spouses and children of permanent U.S. residents to more easily obtain visas for their children and spouses. The bill would also permit lawful Americans to sponsor their same-sex partners for residency in the U.S., putting a long-overdue stop to detrimental practices--such as prolonged visa wait times and discrimination against LGBT families--that prevent loving families from being together.

"A strong family often provides the support structure needed to be a strong contributor to society and to pursue the American Dream," said Eliseo Medina after Congressman Honda's introduction of the Reuniting Families Act. "For too many SEIU members and other hard working immigrants, bureaucratic backlogs and wait times keep their families thousands of miles away. This legislation will help reduce illegal immigration through several long-sought improvements to our family-based visa system."

For more, visit http://www.seiu.org/immigration