Deportation threat lifted for lesbian Vt. couple (another reason to love Vermont)

May 22, 2012

By DAVE GRAM, Associated Press

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A married lesbian couple living in Vermont who were threatened with being separated by federal immigration authorities have been granted a reprieve.

Japanese immigrant Takako Ueda and her American spouse, Frances Herbert, got word Tuesday that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services decided to defer action on deportation proceedings against Ueda, whose visa had expired.

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Among the evidence Ueda and Herbert presented were letters of support from Vermont's congressional delegation and Gov. Peter Shumlin, as well as a resolution passed by Dummerston voters on Town Meeting Day in March urging that Ueda be allowed to stay in the country.

The delegation released a joint statement on Tuesday from the two senators, Democrat Patrick Leahy and independent Bernie Sanders, as well as Vermont's lone U.S. House member, Democratic Rep. Peter Welch.

""We welcome this remedy that for now will offer a measure of common sense and compassion for this Vermont couple," the statement said. "All three of our offices have worked hard to support this loving and committed couple who have been unfairly prevented by DOMA from enjoying the rights and benefits that all lawfully married couples deserve."

http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2012/05/22/deportation-threat-lifted-for-lesbian-vt-couple