Immigration For Same-Sex Spouses
Soon after the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as unconstitutional, federal officials issued important statements and directives addressing the impact of that decision on immigration policies. For people in same-sex relationships who previously had no path to legal immigration or U.S. citizenship, the changes have been favorable and historic.
Federal Policy Changes Have Opened A Path To Legal Residency
In addressing numerous immigration-related concerns faced by the LGBTQ community, information on the website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) repeatedly uses language such as “… a same-sex marriage will be treated exactly the same as an opposite-sex marriage.” At the White Plains, New York, immigration law firm of Bikkal & Associates, P.C., we are well-prepared to consider your specific circumstances and help you explore your rights and options.
We treat all our clients with personal care and respect, and we avidly support federal policy changes that support family unity and relieve hardship for our diverse clients. Our services cover the full spectrum of immigration for same-sex spouses, including:
- Petitions for family-based immigrant visas on behalf of same-sex spouses who are legal residents or citizens married to foreign nationals
- Advocacy for people engaged to foreign nationals of the same sex who may be eligible for fiancé/fiancée visas
- Filings to reopen immigration cases in which applications or petitions were denied solely due to the now-defunct definition of marriage
- Thorough analysis of unique circumstances and prior decisions involving where the marriage was celebrated and other aspects of its validity, possible immigration benefits for other relatives and a range of other complex issues
Discuss Your Goals With A Focused, Knowledgeable Immigration Lawyer
For more than three decades, attorneys at our firm have advocated for fair and just treatment of people under United States immigration laws. Today, we are pleased to share the optimism of many people seeking marriage equality and equal treatment under those laws. For a consultation with a lawyer who will provide clear, forthright guidance and focused representation, call 914-683-5300 or contact us online.