LGBT rights groups release joint statement on immigration reform as U.S. senators release set of principles for comprehensive immigration reform

MEDIA CONTACT: Inga Sarda-Sorensen Director of Communications (Office) 646.358.1463 (Cell) 202.641.5592 isorensen@theTaskForce.org Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights groups release joint statement on immigration reform as U.S. senators release set of principles for comprehensive immigration reform WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 — National lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights organizations, including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund, today released a joint statement reiterating the call for a comprehensive immigration policy that ensures fair treatment of LGBT people and families under immigration law. It comes as a bipartisan group of U.S. senators today released a set of principles for comprehensive immigration reform, and as President Obama prepares to announce his own immigration plans tomorrow. The full text of the LGBT groups' joint statement is below:   "We are fully committed to and deeply understand the need for this nation to adopt a humane and effective comprehensive immigration policy which places a premium value on justice, dignity, respect and opportunity.   "Any legislation must include the ability of couples in same-sex relationships to sponsor their spouse or permanent-partner in the same way opposite-sex couples have long been able to under current immigration law.   "We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those striving for and dreaming of a nation that embraces all who come here seeking a better life. We look forward to working with Congress, the White House and every community harmed by our broken immigration system to finally achieve the comprehensive reforms we all so desperately need."   Signatories: National Center for Lesbian Rights Human Rights Campaign Immigration Equality Action Fund National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund National Center for Transgender Equality To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, visit www.theTaskForce.org and follow us on Twitter: @TheTaskForce. –30– The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund builds the grassroots political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The Task Force Action Fund does this through direct and grassroots lobbying to defeat anti-LGBT ballot initiatives and legislation, and works to pass pro-LGBT legislation and other progressive initiatives. The Task Force Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation incorporated in New York. Contributions to the Task Force Action Fund are not tax-deductible.