Gay marriage immigration interview
Marriage-Based Green Cards for Same-Sex Couples
A marriage-based green card offers legal residency to spouses of U.S. citizens. Historically, same-sex couples did not receive the same rights. This has changed, and same-sex marriages now hold the similar legal weight as a traditional couple.
Same-sex couples can navigate the complex immigration system with newfound hope and equality. The process involves documentation, interviews, and legal scrutiny. Understanding the ins and outs of the process matters, and clear guidance simplifies the journey. This article provides insights and tips for same-sex spouses seeking a green card.
A Brief History of Same-Sex Marriages and U.S. Immigration
The repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) seismically shifted the landscape of same-sex marriage in the United States. This pivotal moment in history cleared the path for federal recognition of same-sex marriages, which, in turn, significantly impacted U.S. immigration law.
Prior to this, same-sex couples were in legal limbo. Federal entities, including immigration services, did not acknowle
Challenges Same-Sex Couples May Face When Applying for a Green Card
Becoming a United States resident or citizen is the dream of people across the world. As most immigrants know, this is a long and complicated process, but one that’s well worth the effort. There may be certain groups of people, however, who might have a harder time gaining residency.
An immigration attorney can help these individuals shift forward. Specifically, if you’re facing concerns when applying for a green card as a same-sex couple, there is help on hand that may make the process easier. To meet with an LGBTQ-friendly immigration lawyer in the Woburn, Massachusetts area—including Boston, Marlborough, and Framingham—reach out to us at Corbaci Law, P.C.
Applying for a Green Card
There are a few ways to be eligible to become a permanent resident. One of the most usual is because you have a family member who is already a citizen such as a parent, child, or spouse. You may then apply for residency based on this relationship. Your process will look different depending on where you are
Since DOMA’s defeat, we have had the opportunity to file numerous immigration petitions on behalf of same-sex couples, with great success. From our work with gay and lesbian couples, from preparing their immigration petitions and accompanying evidence to representing them at their interviews at USCIS, we have identified several issues that set our same-sex immigration clients apart from our opposite-sex immigration clients.
This article explains several of these issues, and includes some pointers on what you can do in your application and in the interview to help ensure that USCIS grants your application. Please keep in mind, however, that everyone’s circumstances are different, and it is highly advisable to have an attorney guiding you through the process and answering questions about your specific situation. Also, for an article about frequently-asked questions by LGBT couples on obtaining a green card through same-sex marriage, please see Kate Lenahan’s frequently-updated FAQ.
1. No Relationship With Your In-Laws
While a married person having a difficult relation
Introduction
We understand the anxiety married couples experience before a Green Card marriage interview.
To help our readers, we’ve compiled the common questions that USCIS officers ask during marriage based Green Card interview.
We have also included the tips on how to better equip for the USCIS marriage interview.
ORCheck My Eligibility
1. The Green Card Marriage Interview: An Overview
As a part of the Green Card process, all applicants filing as the spouse of a U.S. Citizen or a Lawful Everlasting Resident (LPR) need to, along with their spouse, attend a Green Card marriage interview. The purpose of the Green Card marriage interview is to distinguish sham and/or fraudulent marriage arrangements that are entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits.
During the Green Card marriage interview, the applicant and U.S. Citizen spouse are usually interviewed together but may also be questioned separately. The interview may also be video-taped.
My Case Scenario
Emily
Emily, a foreign national, is married to Devon, a U.S. Citizen. They have been m