Decision of Supreme Court on Prop 8 Gives Hope to Immigrants California Legislation Spurs Support for Same-Sex Marriage Across U.S.
Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States - August 1, 2013 /MarketersMedia/ --
Following the actions of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 26, Florida immigration attorney Lawrence Marin of the Izquierdo & Marin, P.A. Law Firm sees a bright future for same-sex, multi-national couples seeking citizenship for a spouse. Part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, giving same-sex married couples the right to federal benefits and spousal rights in many states.
The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the Prop 8 appeal in California, meanwhile, is expected to inspire more action to rally for same-sex marriage rights in other states such as Florida.
Impact of the Court Decision on Gay Marriage for Immigration
Shortly after the announcement of the DOMA repeal, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, issued this statement:
“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.”
Now that a same-sex marriage is treated the same as an opposite-sex marriage, the process for sponsoring a spouse for a green card or arranging for a marriage or fiancé visa should become much easier in the coming months. One of the main benefits of the DOMA repeal is that it is a federal law, meaning as long as a couple was married in a state that has legalized same-sex marriage, their marital status will still hold valid for immigration purposes in states such as Florida where same-sex marriage is still not permitted.
Mr. Marin is excited to see how the DOMA repeal will improve the immigration process for same-sex couples, “The Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Defense of Marriage Act is monumental. It legitimizes and supports the basic recognition that the concept of marriage is not to be limited but must also openly encompass those in same-sex relationships. It is a tremendous step towards equality, and couples in same-sex marriages may now receive and enjoy the same federal benefits — including immigration benefits such as marriage-based petitions, lawful permanent residence and defense against removal — that others are entitled to receive.”
About Fort Lauderdale Immigration Law Firm Izquierdo & Marin, P.A.
Izquierdo & Marin, P.A. is a unique “crimmigration” law firm in Fort Lauderdale, providing clients with both criminal defense and immigration legal services. Lead immigration attorney Lawrence Marin has partnered with criminal defense attorney Jose Izquierdo to provide complete services for those charged with criminal acts and/or who require immigration services.
Mr. Marin has more than a decade of experience in immigration law and focuses his practice on helping individuals obtain marriage visas, business visas and emergency visas, as well as permanent residency through business, investment, or family. His knowledge has been shared with many through his published works, speaking engagements and presentations.
Contact Info:
Name: Lawrence Marin
Email: lmarin@izquierdomarin.com
Address: 100 Southeast 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-527-9995
Organization: Izquierdo & Marin, P.A. Law Firm
Source: http://marketersmedia.com/florida-immigration-attorneys-supports-supreme-court-on-prop-8/20136
