In August 1994, Stephane learned that his mother was gravely ill. He immediately traveled to France to be with her, preparing to return to the United States on his E-2 visa which he had extended shortly before he left the country. Unfortunately, due to some error in communication with the INS office in Liguna Niguel, Marty and Stephane were given the wrong advice in connection with the extension of the visa. When Stephane returned from his visit with his mother, the Immigration officers in the Detroit airport would not permit him to re-enter the country. Stephane recounts that he was rudely questioned, threatened and told that he would have to return to France. Finally, after hours of argument he was paroled into the United States pending an exclusion hearing. Stephane was forced to surrender his passport, and he was photographed and fingerprinted before he was released from custody.

After returning to San Francisco, Stephane consulted with a lawyer and had his exclusion hearing transferred to that city from Detroit. He also sought to have his hearing expedited so that he could clear up the problems and free himself for future travel. This was not to be the case, however. Unfortunately for Stephane, his exclusion hearing was not scheduled quickly and he was forced to remain in limbo, waiting for an opportunity to present his case. He did not dare travel outside the country at this time Read More "Oh Canada, Glorious and Free" (photo: LGIRTF; Immigration Equality archive)

Tags: LGIRTF, Immigration Equality, gay immigration, equality