NEWARK — Gay rights groups rallied outside the federal building in Newark this morning as Josh Vandiver and Henry Valandia prepared for a hearing before a federal immigration judge that could end with one half of the couple deported. The Princeton couple, married in Connecticut almost a year ago, are seeking a moratorium on deportations of same-sex binational couples,...
Princeton couple Henry Valandia, center, and Josh Vandiver, right, are fighting for a moratorium on deportations of same-sex bi-national couples. Dozens of people rallied on their behalf today, prior to a court hearing in Newark. NEWARK — Gay rights groups rallied outside the federal building in Newark this morning as Josh Vandiver and Henry Valandia prepared for a hearing before a federal immigration judge that could end with one half of the couple deported.
The Princeton couple, married in Connecticut almost a year ago, are seeking a moratorium on deportations of same-sex binational couples, who are not protected under the same immigration laws as heterosexual couples.
Valandia, a native of Venezuela, could be ordered deported today because the federal government, under the Defense of Marriage Act, does not recognize same-sex unions. His hearing is at 1 p.m.
This morning, about 70 supporters held signs with pictures of the couple on their wedding day and cheered as a series of speakers called on the federal government to reverse what they called a discriminatory policy.
"We believe it's really cruel," said Valandia, who said he and Vandiver do not have a plan B if the court rules against them, calling it "inconceivable."
"It's not even for us a possibility to go back home."
Dozens of people rallied in Newark this morning in support of Princeton couple Henry Valandia and Josh Vandiver, who are fighting for a moratorium on deportations of same-sex bi-national couples.Immigration and gay rights lawyer Lavi Soloway said immigration policies are intended to keep families together, not tear them apart. He said studies have estimated as many as 36,000 same-sex couples in the United States are binational and "live in fear of deportation."
New Jersey allows same-sex civil unions, but a marriage bill was defeated in the legislature. Five states and the District of Columbia allow gay marriage.
"There has been a sea change in public opinion," said Garden State Equality chairman Steven Goldstein. "It's time to stop torturing couples like Josh and Henry."
Previous coverage:
• U.S. Attorney General temporarily halts deporation of gay N.J. man who is part of civil union
• Rep. Rush Holt seeks to block deportation of same-sex spouses on behalf of Princeton couple
• Princeton married gay men fight deportation as Defense of Marriage Act debate continues