I am an American living in exile. My partner and I have enjoyed a loving, committed relationship with each other for over 4 years. We consider ourselves lucky to have found true lifelong partners in each other, and in every sense of the word, we are a married couple.

While my heart is complete after finding my husband, my life is incomplete due to my country. My husband is Brazilian and has not been able to immigrate to the United States which is our preferred home. Instead, I have been forced to choose between my family and lifelong friends and my loving and committed partner. For the last year, I have been living in Brazil to be with my husband. I cannot afford to travel frequently so I don't get to see my family often. My parents are in their late 70's and I am not there to help provide support, celebrate birthday's or anniversaries or participate in holiday gatherings. Most phone calls end in tears as my mother is devastated that her youngest son is so far away. I struggle with my situation every day all because my country does not allow my husband to immigrate to the United States.

I urge you to support S. 1328/H.R. 2221, the Uniting American Families Act - legislation that will effect the tens of thousands of couples in my similar situation. Let's do the right thing and bring our families together. (photo: personal; taken in NYC, Glenn and Antonio together since: 9/11 2004)

Tags: USA, Brazil