DOMA Ruling Removes Immigration Hurdle for Same-Sex Couples

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DOMA Ruling Removes Immigration Hurdle for Same-Sex Couples

June 26, 2013

With today’s news that the Supreme Court has struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (read the majority decision here), same-sex marriages (currently allowed in 12 states) will now be afforded full legal recognition from the Federal government. This means that for the first time, U.S. citizens and permanent residents will be able to sponsor their same-sex partners for permanent residence. The ruling will also ensure that same-sex marriages performed in other countries will be recognized, allowing same-sex married couples and their children to apply for dependent visas (H-4, L-2, etc.).

The Supreme Court’s decision will come as a relief to many currently married bi-national same-sex couples, who, in order to stay together, were often forced to leave their homes and jobs in the United States to live in a country that recognized same-sex marriage. With today’s ruling, those couples will now have the option of returning home.

TAGS: DOMA, Green Card, same-sex couples, Supreme Court