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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Ready to join STERN Law?

Laura Cameron – Firm Administrator

Laura Cameron is a Georgia native who brings 20 years of firm administration experience - managing all aspects of day-to-day operations, administration and policy implementation at the human-to-human level. The motivating factor for Laura is helping provide staff with the tools and resources needed to excel in their individual roles and guide the success and objectives of the firm team.

As part of a proud military family, Laura knows firsthand the responsibility and sacrifice given for the bounty of having and enjoying all facets of the “American Dream.” She firmly believes those ideals shine brightest when others are provided the opportunity to share in that bounty and knows the core values that drive and guide STERN Law exemplify these values.

Some of her responsibilities include directing all support services, overseeing the firm’s human resources, finance, payroll, vendor, technology, facilities management, personnel and benefits. Laura credits her degrees in accounting and business administration for providing a solid foundation that continues to guide her success in the administrator role.

Laura’s off the job interests include volunteering in her community, spending time with her wonderful husband, enjoying the simple pleasures or pursing their like interests; Cooking and experimenting in the kitchen with her culinary student youngest son; learning the fine art of photography or the latest technology wonders with her oldest son, who will soon be married, adding a much needed daughter to the family mix.

Claudia Rea - Senior Immigration Paralegal

Claudia Rea joins STERN Law with a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a Mexico-licensed attorney who was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, she obtained her Law Degree at the University of Guadalajara, where she practiced for a year prior to moving to United States in 2013. Working for top immigration firms in both New Orleans and Atlanta, Claudia knew that her future was as an attorney in the United States; she currently is studying law at Georgia State University. Since an early age, Claudia developed a particular interest in activities that promoted social justice. Eventually, that interest led her to search for a professional opportunity where she could help the immigrant community in the United States. As an immigrant herself, Claudia has experienced firsthand the challenges that immigrating to a new country entitles and that, along with her professional experience, allows her to provide the best service to our clients.

When she is not working to improve someone’s life for the better at STERN Law, she enjoys talking to her family and friends in Mexico, salsa dancing, and reading.

Gabriel Pino, Immigration Paralegal

Gabriel Pino originally joined STERN Law in 2015 and served as our Immigration Paralegal through January 2017. He has since moved to New Jersey and continues to support our team and clients remotely. Gabriel is passionate about international human rights and fights for justice for all. He loves to travel and even puts aside his fear of air travel to visit far-away countries and cultures. Gabriel is a committed freedom fighter, and we are happy to collaborate with him every chance we get!

Christina Champagne, Associate Attorney

Christina Champagne is an Atlanta-raised attorney dedicated to client-centered representation and just results.

She became a Defender while a student at Emory Law School. Under Georgia’s Third-Year Practice Act, she interned at the Fulton and Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Offices. However, after a year working for two women who built a criminal defense firm after careers as public defenders, Christina quickly confirmed that her true passion is to defend the rights of the accused and protecting people from the insurmountable power of the Government.

Christina has represented clients on hundreds felony and misdemeanor cases, including aggravated assault, theft, child molestation, drug charges, minor in possession of alcohol, DUI, and traffic offenses. She has conducted hearings and trials before the State and Superior Courts of Georgia, serving clients spanning from Macon to Columbus, Atlanta, Athens, and north Georgia.

Christina transitioned to STERN Law to expand her practice to the defense of non-U.S. Citizens. She proudly protects people who are not only accused of violating the law, but who could lose their families and livelihoods if convicted (and deported or stripped of legal status). Christina also helps non-U.S. Citizens achieve legal status in the United States to pursue their dreams and stay united with their families. Christina believes that everyone deserves a chance to be a part of this great country, especially when a person works so hard to make it happen.

In her spare time, Christina enjoys yoga; being outdoors; traveling with her fiancé; and Georgia football.

Christina is admitted to the Bar in the State and Superior Courts of Georgia, Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Georgia.

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