There are numerous same-sex couples in New Jersey who are actively watching the Supreme Court and are awaiting a decision one way or the other on whether the federal Defense of Marriage Act is constitutional. For the same-sex couples in New Jersey who have hopped the border and gotten married, a court decision striking down the federal law would mean that their marriages are recognized by the federal government. For binational same-sex couples, however, this is especially important.
Immigration impact of Defense of Marriage Act case
As one of the states that grants civil unions to same-sex couples, it is likely that there are many New Jersey residents who have taken advantage of this law to have their relationships legally recognized. While there are certain rights and responsibilities that come with a New Jersey civil union, there is no federal recognition of these relationships. With a case before the Supreme Court of the United States on whether the Defense of Marriage Act is constitutional, this could have some wide-reaching implications on the same-sex couples in New Jersey, including those who are hoping for immigration reform.
Will immigration reform come with reduced family visas?
This blog has talked a lot about the proposed immigration reform that many in the government have been working toward, but it seems that some of these reforms may include a decrease in the number of family visas available. Though this is unlikely to have much of an effect on the spouses and children of U.S. citizens, it would otherwise negatively affect others relying on family-based immigrant visas. With a current waiting list of 4.3 million family members seeking entrance into the country, waiting times would increase even more.
Senator asks for recognition of same-sex immigrant couples
When someone in Trenton marries someone without American citizenship, he or she can petition for his or her spouse to join him or her in the United States. What if the couple is in a same-sex civil union recognized by the state of New Jersey? Unfortunately, individuals in same-sex bi-national relationships are unable to petition for their partners as heterosexual spouses can. As the federal courts prepare to talk about same-sex marriages later this year, at least one senator is asking Congress to consider a bill that would grant same-sex couples the same privileges as opposite-sex couples within family-based immigration.
New rule eases burden on undocumented immediate relatives
There are specific reasons why many undocumented immigrants in New Jersey and across the country do not make themselves known to government officials. If it is discovered that they are in the country illegally, they could face deportation and a ban on reentering the United States for three or 10 years. So even though an American citizen can petition for an immediate relative to join him or her in the United States, some are hesitant to make it known that their immediate relatives have already been living in the country without legal permission.
Family receives early Christmas gift
One family celebrated Christmas early this year. The family's mother was slated for removal, also commonly called deportation, two days after Christmas, which may have made for a solemn holiday celebration.
Cuba eases restrictions for exit visa
Cuban-Americans in New Jersey were probably excited to hear about Cuban president Raul Castro's announcement that it will now be easier for Cubans to leave the country, which had formerly been made difficult by the exit visa process. Though there are still many who doubt whether it will have much of an effect in New Jersey or the rest of the United States, it may cause waves in family-based immigration.
