Same-sex Spouses can file for Immigration Benefits

Pursuant to a statement from Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, as a result of the Supreme Court’s Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) decision, same-sex married couples will enjoy the same immigration benefits of opposite-sex married couples.  This means that a United States citizen, or permanent resident, in a same-sex marriage can file an immigrant visa petition on behalf of their alien spouse in order to allow the alien spouse to obtain legal permanent residence, or a Green Card.