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FEB-18-2000 13:33 OES/RPI 202 647 6876 P.01/01 1625 Upshur Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20011 February 17, 2000 The Honorable Jerrold Nadler U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. Dear Representative Nadler: I understand that earlier this week you announced your intent to introduce the Permanent Partner Immigration Act which would amend U.S. immigration policy to allow U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration purposes. I support and commend you for this action and hope that the bill will become law. The inhumane double standard that exists in current U.S. immigration policy has largely undermined the basis of the policy itself -- that is, family unification. Moreover, the policy puts in the United States in stark contrast with the 13 other nations that recognize gay and lesbian couples for immigration purposes. Again, thank you for attempting to correct this horrible wrong and provide equality to the many committed couples who have been forced into separation by this unfair policy. With every good regard, I am, Most sincerely yours, William E. Dilday CC: The Honorable Eleanor Holmes-Norton The Honorable Doris Meissner, Commissioner, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service The Honorable Karen Tramontano, The White House The Honorable Julian Potter, The White House TOTAL P.01