Video: DNC Chair Speaks at Fundraiser for LGBT Immigrants

Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz spoke at an Immigration Equality fundraiser in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Wasserman Schultz, who chairs the Democratic National Committee, discussed the prospects of the Uniting American Families Act and the White House's LGBT-specific accomplishments since President Barack Obama took office. She also cited Anthony Makk and Bradford Wells, a bi-national gay couple from San Francisco who faces separation because Makk faces deportation back to his native Australia, in her speech.



Following her speech, Wasserman Schultz conceded that she is not confident that UAFA would become law before the end of this Congress. She also blasted Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain for asserting that homosexuality is a choice during his appearance on "The View" earlier in the day.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz to Attend Fundraiser for LGBT Immigrants’ Rights Organization

Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is among those who are expected to attend a fundraiser for an LGBT immigrants’ rights organization in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Schultz is among the 123 co-sponsors of the Uniting American Families Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow American citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration purposes. New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler and Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy introduced UAFA in April.

Obama lifts HIV travel ban

President Barack Obama announced late this morning his administration has lifted the ban on people with HIV/AIDS from entering the United States.

The president spoke at a White House ceremony to reauthorize the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi [D-Calif.,] Congresswoman Barbara Lee [D-Calif.] and White’s mother, Jeanne White-Ginder, were among those in attendance.

Obama described the ban, which came into effect 22 years ago, as “a decision rooted in fear rather than fact.”

“We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic—yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people from HIV from entering our own country,” he said. “If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it.”

Congress passed a bill last year that authorized the White House to lift the ban. Former President George W. Bush endorsed the proposal as part of a broader plan to combat the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. And Obama said his administration is “finishing the job.”

“It is a step that will encourage people to get tested and get treatment, it's a step that will keep families together, and it's a step that will save lives,” the president said.

Ban opponents quickly applauded the announcement.

“At long last, people living with HIV will no longer be pointlessly barred from this country,” Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, said.
Senator John Kerry [D-Mass.] co-sponsored the bill that authorized the administration to lift the travel ban. He echoed the administration’s sentiments in a prepared statement.

“Today a discriminatory travel and immigration ban has gone the way of the dinosaur and we’re glad it’s finally extinct,” Kerry said. “We’ve now removed one more hurdle in our fight against AIDS, and it’s long overdue for people living with HIV who battle against stigma and bigotry day in and day out.”