The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in unconstitutional. The landmark June 26, 2013 decision ends DOMA’s ban on the federal government’s recognition of marriages by same-sex couples. As a result, U.S. citizens may now petition on behalf of their same-sex spouses for a Green Card. The Grady Firm congratulates same-sex couples on this historic decision!
On July 1, 2013, Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, issued the following statement in a press release in response to the ruling:
“After last week’s decision by the Supreme Court holding that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional, President Obama directed federal departments to ensure the decision and its implication for federal benefits for same-sex legally married couples are implemented swiftly and smoothly. To that end, effective immediately, I have directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review immigration visa petitions filed on behalf of a same-sex spouse in the same manner as those filed on behalf of an opposite-sex spouse.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also provided answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Supreme Court ruling’s effect on family-based petitions. To see the responses, click here.
ABOUT THE GRADY FIRM, P.C.
The Grady Firm, P.C. attorneys specialize in helping businesses grow and succeed through employment, business, and immigration law advising for clients in California. They help perform personnel audits, draft/revise Employee Handbooks, train employers on employment law compliance, provide on-demand legal analysis for hiring and firing questions, and provide leadership and sexual harassment training in English and Spanish.
To learn more about ensuring your business is compliant with state and local laws, schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with The Grady Firm’s attorneys; call +1 (949) 798-6298; or fill out a Contact Request Form.
*This article is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. This article does not make any guarantees as to the outcome of a particular matter, as each matter has its own set of circumstances and must be evaluated individually by a licensed attorney.