Also read: factoids, immigration, immigration reformsame-sex marriage, LGBT, Latino

A recently proposed bill, which would allow American citizens and documented immigrants in committed same-sex relationships to seek residency in the United States, is adding another controversial ingredient to the ongoing debate on both same-sex marriage and immigration.

The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA)--introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who chairs the Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.)--would allow citizens to sponsor their same-sex partners in a similar way as heterosexual spouses currently petition for foreign-born husbands and wives.

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"I think it's a matter of fairness," Leahy recently said in an interview, referring to countries such as Canada, France and Germany, all of which recognize same-sex couples in immigrations laws.

If UAFA passes, the term "permanent partner" would be added to parts of the current immigration law that refer to married couples and would also provide definitions for the term. But we are far from there, and some supporters advise rolling out the bill "in steps."

"The issue of illegal immigration and those who are illegally in the country is too politically charged," Lisa Elliot, co-chair of the Public Policy Committee at the Human Rights Campaign, told AlterNet.

Debates over immigration reform and same-sex marriage have polarized both politicians and voters along political and religious lines. While UAFA is building steam in both houses of Congress (the bill has picked up 100 cosponsors in the House and 20 in the Senate, according to Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of the pro-immigration group Immigration Equality), some religious leaders oppose the change.

On Tuesday, Bishop John Webster of Salt Lake City, chair of the Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, sent a letter berating UAFA, saying it would "erode the institution of marriage and family" by taking a stance "that is contrary to the very nature of marriage which pre-dates the Church and the State."

President Obama has remained silent on the issue. Yesterday, the Judiciary Committee heard testimonies from same-sex families affected by the current immigration laws.

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