Sen. Kerry helps gay couple reunite

[MBS]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/06/04/gay_couple_get_a_boost_in_winning_bid_to_reunite/

Tim Coco and Genesio Oliveira married in 2005, among the throngs who wed after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. But for nearly three years, they lived apart — Coco in Haverhill and Oliveira in his native Brazil — because federal law does not recognize their union.

On Wednesday, Oliveira returned to Massachusetts for an emotional reunion after federal immigration officials took the rare step of granting him permission to stay for one year on humanitarian grounds, clearing the way for him to try again for legal residency. His return followed personal appeals by Senator John F. Kerry, US Attorney General Eric Holder, and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on their behalf.

“We’re overjoyed. Words can’t express it,’’ Coco, 49, an ad agency owner, said yesterday from their home in Haverhill, where he had decorated his yard with yellow ribbons to mark their long separation. “Every new moment now is a fresh new moment in our life.’’

Kerry called the couple heroes for persevering in their marriage.

“Here were two people who loved each other and were as committed to each other as you could ever imagine, and a quirk in the law was being allowed to keep them apart. I just wanted to do everything I could to reunite them,’’ he said in a statement.

Kerry also praised Napolitano and Holder, saying, “They really listened, and they righted this wrong.’’ Unlike heterosexuals, gays and lesbians cannot sponsor their immigrant spouses for legal US residency. .. .

More at the link

[Inuca]

1. Very nice! n/t

[blm]

2. please repost in GD....that forum needs some positive news these days...

.

[karynnj]

3. this is unexpected good news

It is remarkable how long Kerry has advocated for this couple - and good that it finally worked.

[beachmom]

4. I know! There were so many setbacks in this case, that

this is just a total pleasant surprise.

[karynnj]

5. That photo is really something - they look so incredibly happy.

I hope things go well with him getting his citizenship.

[karynnj]

6. Another article

Last month, Kerry called Coco to inform him that Oliveira had been granted humanitarian parole and would be allowed to stay in the U.S. for at least a year.

"Obviously we'll work on a permanent solution, but for right now I just couldn't be happier that the system worked and Tim and Junior are reunited," Kerry said. "This is a very sweet moment, long overdue, but sweeter because they decided it was worth the wait."

Federal immigration officials held Oliveira for three hours for interrogation following his landing Wednesday in Atlanta. He missed his connecting flight to Boston and caught a later one.


"It was a very difficult journey with a lot of hopeful leads that didn't pan out," Coco said. "Kerry's office never gave up. We're glad he didn't."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2012030802_apusgaymarriageasylum.html?syndication=rss

[ProSense]

7. This is a wonderful story.

I love Kerry's quote.

[karynnj]

8. Me too

It is just very kind and shows respect for the couple fighting this.

[beachmom]

9. There was a recommended diary on dailykos for this:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/6/4/872938/-Sen.-Kerry-Delivers-for-Same-Sex-Couple

Nice to see.