The U.S. will immediately begin recognizing marriage equality in visa applications. The State Department today announced that the same benefits are available to all lawfully married persons – whether same-sex or opposite-sex. The announcement was made in response to last month’s historic Supreme Court decision on DOMA’s unconstitutionality. “As long as a marriage has been… Read More »
Take Heart, Texans: Immigration Appeals Court on Marriage Equality
“Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act . . .is no longer an impediment to the recognition of lawful same-sex marriages and spouses under the Immigration and Nationality Act if the marriage is valid under the laws of the State where it was celebrated.” So ruled the national Board of Immigration Appeals on July 17, 2013,… Read More »
DOMA’s Death ♥ and Marriage Equality
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s June 26, 2013 statment about immigration benefits following the Supreme Court’s declaration of DOMA’s unconstitutionality: I applaud today’s Supreme Court decision in United States v. Windsor holding that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. This discriminatory law denied thousands of legally married same-sex couples many important… Read More »
“Social Sharing” of Marijuana Not Deportation Worthy
April 23, 2012 SUPREME COURT Decision: A state marijuana distribution conviction that does not involve remuneration, or involves only a small amount, is not an “aggravated felony” under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The 7-2 Supreme Court’s opinion was written by Justice Sotomayor. Justice Alito joined Thomas’ dissent. This decision overturns the contrary ruling… Read More »