On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which had banned the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages for immigration purposes. Effective immediately, same-sex marriages that are valid where they are performed–whether in the United States or in another country–should be treated in the same manner as any other marriage. A US citizen can therefore petition a same-sex spouse to become a permanent resident of the United States.
A long-time LGBT rights and human rights activist, I have extensive experience advising and representing LGBT immigrants and the particular issues that face our community. If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your case, please call (212) 988-5806 or email me.
For more information and updates, keep an eye on my blog, like my Facebook page, or follow me on Twitter. Immigration Equality is also an excellent source for information on LGBT immigration issues.
This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended as legal advice. Every case is different, and must be evaluated individually.