Irvine LGBT Immigration Lawyers

Helping All Families with Immigration Matters in Orange County

Same-Sex Marriage & Immigration

In 2015, the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v Hodges was a huge victory for the immigration rights of same-sex couples. Same-sex marriage in all fifty states was legalized. This decision requires same-sex marriages to be handled the same as heterosexual marriages for all legal matters. This means that all of the immigration rights that were formerly reserved for straight couples now apply to all married couples across the board. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals have the same immigration rights as straight couples.

Regardless of whether your spouse or fiancé is legally residing in the U.S. or still living abroad, they can now take full advantage of immigration programs. For example, a man who is a current U.S. citizen can now apply to bring his husband to the United States under the same visa petition that a heterosexual couple would use. Likewise, if a gay immigrant spouse or fiancé is already in the United States legally, the process of applying for a green card will be exactly the same.

For help with your family-based immigration matter, contact Yekrangi & Associates or call (949) 478-4963. Our gay marriage immigration lawyer in Irvine is prepared to help! We speak Farsi, Mandarin, and Spanish.

Same-Sex Marriage: What Immigration Benefits Am I Entitled To?

As a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can sponsor your spouse for a family-based visa, green card, or naturalization, the same way as opposite-sex couples. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no longer discriminates between gay couples and straight couples.

Similarly, as a United States citizen, you may petition for a fiancé or fiancée visa for your same-sex partner. So long as all other immigration requirements are satisfied, they may enter the United States for marriage.

Further, If you and your spouse were married in a place that recognizes same-sex marriage, but now live in a state that does not recognize gay marriage, you are entitled to all federal immigration benefits.

Also, If you previously filed for immigration benefits, but were denied benefits based on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), you may ask the USCIS to reconsider the petition. Contact an Irvine LGBT immigration attorney to discuss how to request a a reconsideration of your previously denied application.

Persecuted for Your Sexual Orientation? Asylum Is an Option.

Many nonimmigrants living in the United States choose to stay because returning to their homeland may expose them to persecution and other harm. Many countries have laws those of the LGBT community. Some societies do not accept gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people. If you are from a country that persecutes or otherwise marginalizes you because of your sexual orientation or gender, you may be eligible for asylum. If you are granted asylum in the United States, you will become a permanent resident and receive a green card. Do not hesitate to reach out to Yekrangi & Associates for a consultation. Our experienced asylum lawyer can discuss your case in greater detail.

Talk to an Irvine Gay Marriage Immigration Attorney: (949) 478-4963

Immigration changes in favor of LGBT couples opens a giant path for same-sex partners who were previously denied immigration benefits. Take the first step today and take advantage of the immigration laws that emphasize and celebrate equality.

We serve Orange County and cities therein, including Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Westminster and Yorba Linda.

When you're ready to talk, we're here to listen. Call (949) 478-4963 to set up a consultation with an LGBT immigration lawyer in Irvine backed by years of experience. Se habla Español, Farsi, and Mandarin.