Quigley Fights for LGBT Equality in Immigration Reform

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) spoke out again against the lack of protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community within the comprehensive immigration reform proposals currently under consideration by Congress.

“I am extremely disappointed that my colleagues in the Senate are choosing not to extend the same rights and considerations to same-sex families that we give to any other family in our immigration system,” said Rep. Quigley. “I’m reminded of Grant and Gabe, a Chicago couple who live everyday under a cloud of uncertainty because discriminatory policies like the Defense of Marriage Act do not recognize their same-sex marriage.

"American entrepreneurs like Grant are forced to choose between building a business in the United States or building a family abroad," he continued. "Professionals like Gabe are prevented from contributing to our economy because federal regulations treat same-sex relationships differently. America was built on fairness and justice, and I will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform with these same values.”

As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, Rep. Quigley has been an advocate for the LGBT community. He is a co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would ensure that all couples are treated fairly under federal law and helped lead efforts to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

In 2011, Rep. Quigley hosted a DOMA field forum to investigate the negative impacts of the Defense of Marriage Act on individuals and families in Chicago and brought the testimony of his constituents to Congress. 

Watch the video above or click here to learn more about Grant and Gabe’s story and Rep. Quigley’s fight for immigration equality for the LGBT community. Transcript of the video is available below.