Customs rule change would expand definition of family to include partners in long-term relationships
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"A proposed federal rule change would expand the definition of “family” and allow nonmarried couples and others who live in one household and are traveling abroad together to reenter the United States with a single U.S. Customs declaration.
“It’s really an acknowledgement of what’s obvious to most people: that gay families are families and should be treated as such when they enter the United States,” said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality in New York.
In addition to adults in committed, long-term relationships, the rule change would also include foster children, stepchildren, half-siblings, legal wards, other dependents, according to the proposal by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security and the Treasury departments.
Nowhere does the proposed rule change mention gay or lesbian partners. The wording specifies “two adult individuals in a committed relationship wherein the partners share financial assets and obligations,” not including “roommates or other cohabitants.”
Also, the change removes the phrase “regardless of age” to include adult partners, children and others. The proposal will be officially released Tuesday for comments and could take effect in two months."
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2012/03/customs-rule-change-would-expand-definition-of-family-to-include-partners-in-long-term-relationships.html#storylink=cpy
