Federal lawmakers are set to announce the re-introduction of the Uniting American Families Act today (Thursday, April 14).

The act would allow gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor their permanent partners for legal residency in the United States, a right currently enjoyed only by married heterosexuals under immigration law.

Because of the Defense of Marriage Act, the United States does not legally recognize gay and lesbian couples and their children as families.

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-New York), who's been introducing the bill for more than 10 years, is set to be joined by California congressional Democrats Zoe Lofgren, Mike Honda, and Jackie Speier, among others, in making the announcement in Washington today.