A000747
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 10:05 AM
September 11 Victim Compensation Fund
Dear Mr. Zwick:
I am writing in response to the Department's request for public
comments regarding the forthcoming regulations for implementing
and administering the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."
My husband and I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that
ensure
compensation is available to all victims of the attack and we do mean all
victims!
All victims include undocumented aliens struggling to make a living as well
as the
committed partners and the non-biological children of gay and lesbian
victims.
We understand that many dependents of those workers whose papers were not in
order are
reluctant to come forward for fear they will be deported or suffer some
other unwarranted reprisal.
Their grief is no less severe and economic situation probably a lot worse
than those with full
citizenship. The losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims
are
also no less than that of other families. Just as the terrorists
drew no lines in choosing their victims, our country must draw
no lines in compensating those who suffered the most personal of
losses from these horrific attacks.
Many Americans lost their lives on September 11, each of whom
left behind loved ones. All are heros; all were part of the fabric that
makes our great economy run.
We urge the Department not only to honor these bonds by treating the
familiesof gay and lesbian victims as well the
aliens as you would any other but to actively make known their elgibility.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment