US Immigration and Same-sex Marriage

by Craig on Jul.08, 2011,under News, Back Home

The issue of same-sex (gay) marriage has been a hot topic in the US recently. A small number of States now recognize same-sex marriage, either through their legislators passing a law, like in New York, or court rulings, like in Massachusetts.

Friends here in Taiwan have asked me if US citizens can sponsor their same-sex spouses for US residence, now that there is same-sex marriage in States like New York and Massachusetts.

The answer is no.

Even though some states allow same-sex marriage, US immigration law is the responsibility of the US government, which still doesn't recognize same-sex marriage.  The US law not recognizing same-sex marriage is being fought in court, and it will be interesting to watch. The issue is very controversial and the fighting is not over.

A friend asked me to share the following poll with people. Were you aware that some States in the US allow same-sex marriage? Did you believe that it would mean US citizens could sponsor same-sex spouses for US residence? Are you surprised that it doesn't? Should US citizens be able to sponsor their same-sex spouses for US residence?

Please take the poll, and I invite you to share your comments here on the blog.

-------------------

Thank you for visiting Craig Dodge's Blog. Please share your feedback on this or any other post and visit my main web site at: CraigDodge.org

1 comment

Comment from: Greg Sheldon [Visitor] Email
Greg SheldonAs a gay couple of five years one of us is a US citizen and the other Costarican. How can we turn words into action. We want to get married and move back to the states. This will not be possible since the federal government will no allow my partner to become a US citizen. So just when you think the US has become progressive in it's thinking we find out that equality under the marriages laws of New York is not real equality. How can we help change the federal laws so that we can get married and my partner who is an engenieer apply for ciitizenship?
04/17/12 @ 04:00