Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Overturned

On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a major provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that, until then, had denied federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano made the following press release in response to the ruling:

Statement by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano on the Supreme Court Ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act:

“I applaud today’s Supreme Court decision in United States v. Windsor holding that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. This discriminatory law denied thousands of legally married same-sex couples many important federal benefits, including immigration benefits. I am pleased the Court agreed with the Administration’s position that DOMA’s restrictions violate the Constitution. Working with our federal partners, including the Department of Justice, we will implement today’s decision so that all married couples will be treated equally and fairly in the administration of our immigration laws.”

Source: http://www.dhs.gov/news/2013/06/26/statement-secretary-homeland-security-janet-napolitano-supreme-court-ruling-defense

Contact Van Wormer Law today for additional details on how the DOMA decision will impact the issuance of immigration benefits to same-sex couples.