Introduction
Around the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families face widespread discrimination. Most governments do not offer legal recognition for same-sex relationships. In addition, binational LGBT couples in many countries must cope with immigration laws that fail to recognize their families. Read more about international rights & immigration.
Immigration
- Find out more about the Uniting American Families Act.
- Human Rights Campaign Lauds Introduction of Reuniting Families Act.
- Historic U.S. Senate Hearing Held on Uniting American Families Act.
International Rights
In 2009, after more than 20 years, a ban on HIV-positive visitors and immigrants has been lifted. President Obama announced the final regulation reversing the ban on Oct. 30, 2009. The repeal will take effect on Jan. 4, 2010. Under the ban, HIV-positive foreign nationals were unable to enter the U.S. unless they obtained a special waiver, which was difficult to obtain and only allowed for short-term travel, and the vast majority were unable to obtain legal permanent residency.
HRC was a lead organization lobbying on Capitol Hill for the statutory repeal and working to ensure that Department of Health and Human Services’ regulations were changed.
