BILL NUMBER: AJR 15INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Members De Leon, Ammiano, and John A. Perez APRIL 20, 2009 Relative to the Uniting American Families Act. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AJR 15, as introduced, De Leon. Uniting American Families Act. This measure would urge the Congress of the United States to pass, and President Obama to sign, the Uniting American Families Act and support the removal of legal barriers to immigration by permanent same-sex partners. Fiscal committee: no. WHEREAS, Every American is entitled to equal protection under the law; and WHEREAS, Federal law does not currently recognize permanent same-sex partners for immigration purposes; and WHEREAS, This results in thousands of United States citizens being forced into exile to be with foreign born partners, causing unnecessary hardship, separation from family members and careers, and loss of valuable skills and resources for our country; and WHEREAS, The Uniting American Families Act has been introduced in Congress by Senator Patrick Leahy and Representative Jerrold Nadler to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and allow United States citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor same-sex partners for immigration; and WHEREAS, The promotion of family unity should be an integral part of our nation's immigration policy, and all Americans should have the opportunity to be with their loved ones; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly and the Senate of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature and the State of California urge the United States Congress to pass and President Barack Obama to sign the Uniting American Families Act at the earliest possible date and support the removal of legal barriers to immigration by permanent same-sex partners; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.