Mark and Fred

5
Mark and Fred have been together for 15 years. They have a beautiful home and two adorable kids in Harrisburg, NJ. Fred has been able to stay in the country through student and work visas. When his last work visa came to an end without the possibility of renewal, they faced dire choices. Going back to France is an option, except for the French law the kids will never be considered French and will have to leave every six months. Also, staying in the US was further impeded since Fred had to stop working and take yet another student visa to stay with Mark. They had to sell their home at a loss, since they are burning through their savings, and they may have to live apart for a while, separating even the children. Read More [1] [2] Through Thick & Thin, A documentary about the immigration struggle of gay and lesbian couples in America. Sebastian Cordoba, DIRECTOR/PRODUCER; Lavi Soloway, PRODUCER; Kim Fishman, PRODUCER. USA, 2007, 75 Minute Running Time. link: http://www.throughthickandthin.net [2] Immigration Equality, Inc. Mark and Fred (Not his real name), John and Claire-Marie link: http://www.immigrationequality.org/template.php?pageid=50#markfabien (photo: Through Thick & Thin video, and Immigration Equality)

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One American.
One foreign-born partner.


Living in fear...
Living Separated...
Or living in exile.
All of us are living very UN-American lives.



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Americans take it for granted that if they fall in love with a foreigner, they will be able to sponsor their partner for residency in the United States. But there is no such option for same-sex couples. It simply does not matter how long a couple has been together, how devoted they are to each other or even if they are legally married in Massachusetts, California (before Prop 8) or a country that allows it; if the partners are the same sex, their relationship is irrelevant in the American immigration system. A matter of fact, if our marriages become known to an immigration official, it would be evidence enough (to them) of a reason to want to stay permanently in the U.S. and would be an automatic ground to deny our spouses entry, or even a visa in the future.



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Our goal is to collect as many stories and "faces" as possible, but iIf you don't feel comfortable showing your face for various reason, trust us, we understand. Don't let that stop you from submitting your story. Photos are important in our effort to put a face to the hardship that America has forced upon us, but so is your story. It's a tragedy in and of itself that fellow Americans have to resort to extremes when protecting their families' identity, but if you feel the need to obscure your photo before you submit your story, try something like this.
Living In Exile
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Living In Fear
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