New forum for immigration based on same sex marriage?

[a+j 77]

After yesterday's decision on DOMA, it looks like the number of posts by same sex couples looking for advice on VJ is increasing. How about adding a dedicated forum? I think it would be particularly useful now that the topic is so new.

[lost_at_sea 995]

I'm not sure if it needs a new forum. Do the rules for them still differ somehow?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yeah, the rules are the same. There aren't that many couples really, if you look at the numbers, so I bet after a bit it'll die down.

[a+j 77]

I'm not sure if it needs a new forum. Do the rules for them still differ somehow?

Shouldn't be, but there can be additional complications - e.g.: what happens if they reside in a State that doesn't recognize SSM? Or: is the K1 route safe in their case, at present?

I have no idea. If there was a SSM forum, I would ask

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I think in an effort to have "equality" that all types of marriages and all types of fiances should be in the same forum. Separate is inherently unequal.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

The processes and evidence are the same. There is no need for a separate forum. However a new guide, or note in the guide stating as much might be useful. Or stating that information found on this forum stating that same-sex wasn't allowed should be disregarded, and there are a few topics here and there, of course prior to DOMA but that doesn't mean it won't have people freaking out and asking "are you SURE it's okay now?"

[a+j 77]

I think in an effort to have "equality" that all types of marriages and all types of fiances should be in the same forum. Separate is inherently unequal.

By all means I am not suggesting separation as segregation! As I already said, I think it might be especially useful now that the topic is so new and (possibly) not completely clear yet, to share specific doubts, ideas, experiences, hints, whatever. We already have different forums for different topics, it would just help making info more readily accessible in my idea.

[a+j 77]

However a new guide, or note in the guide stating as much might be useful. Or stating that information found on this forum stating that same-sex wasn't allowed should be disregarded, and there are a few topics here and there, of course prior to DOMA but that doesn't mean it won't have people freaking out and asking "are you SURE it's okay now?"

Or this. And maybe a pinned thread in the family-based immigration forum. Yes, I am actually thinking of a way of making info more easily accessible - you're right, it doesn't necessarily have to be a dedicated forum.

[RICHYYDYLAN 0]

I was told by an Immigration Attorney as long as you are married in a state/and or country where the marrige is legal, you will be able to get married, you shouldn't be denied for living in a state that doesn't have marriage equality, as far as immigration goes. If you are going for the K-1 visa I would state that you will get married in one of the 13 states that have marriage equality in your letter of intent.

[GayK1inTexas 12]

I was told by an Immigration Attorney as long as you are married in a state/and or country where the marrige is legal, you will be able to get married, you shouldn't be denied for living in a state that doesn't have marriage equality, as far as immigration goes. If you are going for the K-1 visa I would state that you will get married in one of the 13 states that have marriage equality in your letter of intent.

I added our marriage plans of going to Iowa to marry. I reside in Texas and its the nearest state. I also added a copy of the state application and indicated we totally qualified to be married in that state. I do wish there was more readily available information about same-sex applications since it is all new to us. I keep finding tidbits of information here and there. And of course it will be interesting to see how the applications and interviews are treated. If in fact they are considered without bias. Thanks to all for your help!...

[d3adc0d3 186]

If anything, I think a "stickied" post would do.

[Fred&Tonton 5]

I think it’s an anxious time for all of us who are finally able to file for a K-1 visa for our loved one and there are a lot of questions because it is all so new… perhaps a new forum might be helpful but not absolutely necessary.

In the days following DOMA being struck down I spent hours and hours doing searches trying to understand my options... Immigration Equality and this site were very helpful

[cujodu 15]

I have found more information on this site than in all the internet combined. Because the process is exactly the same as it has always been, just now it includes all married people not just heterosexuals. All the posts and questions and forms and procedures are the same for all of us. Immigration Equality turned into a ghost town about a week before the Supreme Court decision and offers next to no information, actually a waste of time looking at it. Thanks to Visa Journey we already sent out our I-130 packet!

[Captain Ewok 1,900]

I have found more information on this site than in all the internet combined. Because the process is exactly the same as it has always been, just now it includes all married people not just heterosexuals. All the posts and questions and forms and procedures are the same for all of us. Immigration Equality turned into a ghost town about a week before the Supreme Court decision and offers next to no information, actually a waste of time looking at it. Thanks to Visa Journey we already sent out our I-130 packet!

Congrats and good luck .

[hjayjax 0]

The main difference between the two (Hetero vs **) is that if you aren't married in a country that calls it "Marriage," you will have to get a Fiance Visa.

My husband and I had a Civil Partnership in Wales in 2011. But because it was not called Marriage, we have to complete the 1-129f.

Also, remember that where you live does not matter. I am in a very conservative state, but we are going to get married in NYC, move back here, and start the AOS process.

It's a bit of a hassle, and will end up costing more, but it sure is better than it was a year ago!