Green Cards for LGBTQ Same-Sex Couples

Same-sex marriage is (finally) legal across all fifty states and recognized for all immigration applications!

Statement from Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano on July 1, 2013:

“After [the] 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.”

We look forward to the day that LGBTQ marriages won’t require its own webpage because it will be so common and viewed the same as every hetero marriage. For the most part, everything we shared here applies the same for green card benefits through same-sex marriages. However, the Government looks at immigration benefit applications as a potential for fraud.

Our team is extremely proud to work with same-sex couples and their families to achieve the American Dream.

They look at all applications carefully, but same-sex marriage applications are at risk for improper or unreasonable scrutiny. Same-sex marriages often do not follow the traditional ceremonial “norms” or fit typical patterns as considered by USCIS officers.

We have the professional and personal experience that you are looking for to ensure the path to permanent residency is a happy and successful journey.

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Jessica Stern continues to give back to her colleagues and communities during her spare time, including:

2018

Vice-Chair, Atlanta Bar – City of Atlanta Board of Ethics
Member, AILA - ICE Liaison Committee
Member, Northern District of Georgia - Criminal Justice Act Panel

2017

LEAD Atlanta Class of 2017
Member, Atlanta Bar – City of Atlanta Board of Ethics
Member, AILA - ICE Liaison Committee

2016

Member, Atlanta Bar – City of Atlanta Board of Ethics
Member, AILA - ICE Liaison Committee
Member, Atlanta Bar - Judicial Selection & Tenure Committee

2015

Chair, Atlanta Bar Association Criminal Law Section Board
Member, Atlanta Bar – City of Atlanta Board of Ethics
Member, Atlanta Bar - Judicial Selection & Tenure Committee

2014

Chair, Atlanta Bar – Criminal Law Section
Member, Atlanta Bar - Women in the Profession Section Board
Member, Atlanta Bar - Judicial Selection & Tenure Committee
Member, Forever Family, Inc. - Young Professionals Board

2013

Member, Atlanta Bar - Women in the Profession Section Board