VOA标准英语2013--US Immigration Barrier Removed for Married Gay Couples

 

US Immigration Barrier Removed for Married Gay Couples

Swede Anna Olsson and American Michelle Bailey met two years ago, fell in love, and built a life together near Washington. Swedish pancakes have become a shared morning ritual.

Neither can imagine life without the other.

"I just feel lucky. I mean, I never knew I could feel this good," said Bailey.

"This is the love of my life, and I cannot wait to marry her," said Olsson.

Michelle is a Web designer, Anna a university instructor¹. Until last week, the couple feared U.S. law would force them apart - or to move to Sweden - when Anna’s work visa expires.

"It is almost torture living under the threat of having to uproot² yourself. It is not just a little right that is taken away from you, it is a life," said Olsson.

In March, Michelle and Anna stood outside the Supreme³ Court during oral arguments over the Defense⁴ of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as solely⁵ between a man and a woman under federal law. Last week’s ruling, striking it down, brought euphoria and relief.

"It was unbelievable joy. Thrilling and exciting and tears," said Michelle.

"It was indescribable the feeling . It felt like I was flying for the rest of the day," said Anna.

For years, immigration attorney Thomas Plummer has fought to keep bi-national gay couples together.

"These families are now going to be treated equally under U.S. immigration law, which means that families here in the United States can begin planning their lives together. Couples in exile can plan their return, and families that are apart can reunite in the United States," said Plummer.

Already, the Obama administration is weighing in. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that immigration petitions for a same-sex spouse⁶ will be reviewed "in the same manner as those filed on behalf of an opposite-sex spouse."

Michelle and Anna took part in U.S. Independence Day celebrations with added joy.

"I have had my status elevated from second-class citizen. So I am feeling pretty darn good," said Michelle.

"Having lived here for 10 years, I have never been as proud of America as I was on June 26 [when DOMA was struck down]," said Anna.

And what now for the couple?

"We are planning to get married in the very near future. And yeah, we are staying. That is the main thing. It does not sound too exciting but it is," said Anna.

"We are just going to stay living our lives. Fixing the house up and whatever we normally do," said Michelle.

1 instructor   

n.指导者，教员，教练

参考例句：

• The college jumped him from instructor to full professor.大学突然把他从讲师提升为正教授。
• The skiing instructor was a tall,sunburnt man.滑雪教练是一个高高个子晒得黑黑的男子。

2 uproot   

v.连根拔起，拔除；根除，灭绝；赶出家园，被迫移开

参考例句：

• The family decided to uproot themselves and emigrate to Australia.他们全家决定离开故土，移居澳大利亚。
• The trunk of an elephant is powerful enough to uproot trees.大象的长鼻强壮得足以将树木连根拔起。

3 supreme   

adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的

参考例句：

• It was the supreme moment in his life.那是他一生中最重要的时刻。
• He handed up the indictment to the supreme court.他把起诉书送交最高法院。

4 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

5 solely   

adv.仅仅，唯一地

参考例句：

• Success should not be measured solely by educational achievement.成功与否不应只用学业成绩来衡量。
• The town depends almost solely on the tourist trade.这座城市几乎完全靠旅游业维持。

6 spouse   

n.配偶(指夫或妻)

参考例句：

• Her spouse will come to see her on Sunday.她的丈夫星期天要来看她。
• What is the best way to keep your spouse happy in the marriage?在婚姻中保持配偶幸福的最好方法是什么？