Category: Doma

States and Countries that recognize Same-Sex Marriage for Immigrants

4/16/2014

As of April 2014, there are fourteen states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington) that permit same-sex marriage. Washington, DC also recognizes same-sex marriage.

The countries of Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Uruguay also currently recognize same-sex marriages.

Thus, same-sex couples who marry in one of these states or countries can apply for U.S. immigration benefits based upon this marriage. Please contact our attorneys if you have any questions.

Disclaimer:
Published on April 16, 2014 with latest available information. This is a blog article for general education and is not intended as legal advice.

0 Comments

DOMA Ruling’s Impact on Immigration for Bi-National Same-Sex Couples

7/9/2013

0 Comments

Updated on October 24, 2013:
"We are pleased to announce that our very own Attorney Mark Harley was informed today by the USCIS office that he attended Pittsburgh's first lawful permanent residency interview based on DOMA. Congrats to the newly approved couple #YourImmigrationPartner"

The 5-4 majority decision of the Supreme Court overturning the Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA looks to have major impact on immigration law, with many changes on the horizon. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), enacted September 21, 1996 was a United States Federal Law that allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed under the laws of other states.

As of July 2013, there are thirteen states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington) that permit same-sex marriage. According to the last census, there are approximately 36,000 bi-national same-sex couples living in the United States.

The decision made by the Supreme Court does not guarantee a right to same-sex marriage, but it allows same-sex couples who live in the states that allow same-sex marriage to receive the same federal benefits as heterosexual couples.

0 Comments

States and Countries that recognize Same-Sex Marriage for Immigrants

DOMA Ruling’s Impact on Immigration for Bi-National Same-Sex Couples

Immigration Law Firm

Archives

Categories