{"id":8148,"date":"2024-01-20T03:06:07","date_gmt":"2024-01-20T08:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/?p=8148"},"modified":"2024-01-26T03:10:52","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T08:10:52","slug":"lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"Immigration Challenges for LGBTQ Families"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Building_Inclusivity_Tackling_LGBTQ_Immigration_Issues_in_Columbia_MO\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building Inclusivity: Tackling LGBTQ Immigration Issues in Columbia, MO<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-663c72ea4f14f\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-663c72ea4f14f\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Building_Inclusivity_Tackling_LGBTQ_Immigration_Issues_in_Columbia_MO\" title=\"Building Inclusivity: Tackling LGBTQ Immigration Issues in Columbia, MO\">Building Inclusivity: Tackling LGBTQ Immigration Issues in Columbia, MO<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Quick_Summary\" title=\"Quick Summary\">Quick Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#What_Are_the_LGBTQ_Immigration_Challenges_in_Columbia_MO\" title=\"What Are the LGBTQ Immigration Challenges in Columbia, MO?\">What Are the LGBTQ Immigration Challenges in Columbia, MO?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Family-Based_Immigration\" title=\"Family-Based Immigration\">Family-Based Immigration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Employment-Based_Immigration\" title=\"Employment-Based Immigration\">Employment-Based Immigration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Waivers\" title=\"Waivers\">Waivers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Deportation\" title=\"Deportation\">Deportation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Asylum\" title=\"Asylum\">Asylum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Transgender_Identification_Issues\" title=\"Transgender Identification Issues\">Transgender Identification Issues<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#What_Are_the_LGBTQ_Challenges_During_the_Immigration_Process_in_Columbia_MO\" title=\"What Are the LGBTQ Challenges During the Immigration Process in Columbia, MO?\">What Are the LGBTQ Challenges During the Immigration Process in Columbia, MO?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#No_Connection_With_In-Laws\" title=\"No Connection With In-Laws\">No Connection With In-Laws<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Absence_of_Job_or_Housing_Records\" title=\"Absence of Job or Housing Records\">Absence of Job or Housing Records<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Past_Heterosexual_Marriages\" title=\"Past Heterosexual Marriages\">Past Heterosexual Marriages<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#What_Are_My_LGBTQ_Immigration_Rights\" title=\"What Are My LGBTQ Immigration Rights?\">What Are My LGBTQ Immigration Rights?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Immigrant_Rights_for_Married_Couples\" title=\"Immigrant Rights for Married Couples\">Immigrant Rights for Married Couples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Children_of_Same-Sex_Couples\" title=\"Children of Same-Sex Couples\">Children of Same-Sex Couples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Immigrant_Rights_for_Refugees_and_Asylees\" title=\"Immigrant Rights for Refugees and Asylees\">Immigrant Rights for Refugees and Asylees<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/lgbtq-family-immigration-challenges\/#Assisting_LGBTQ_Immigrant_Individuals_and_Families_in_Columbia_MO\" title=\"Assisting LGBTQ Immigrant Individuals and Families in Columbia, MO\">Assisting LGBTQ Immigrant Individuals and Families in Columbia, MO<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ immigration issues in Columbia, MO make immigration law complicated. This category <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">addresses LGBTQ families&#8217; difficulties<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when reuniting or starting new lives in the US. The road can be difficult and require legal aid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These cases are complicated by discrimination, policy, and legal interpretation. LGBTQ immigration issues include visa applications, asylum claims, and family-based petitions. Due to complex laws and society, the process might be confusing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Summary\"><\/span><b>Quick Summary<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below is an overview of the key points of this blog post article.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ individuals have immigration options in the United States, but they face unique challenges.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens to petition for same-sex spouses, with recognition needed in the marriage&#8217;s country of origin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employment-based immigration permits foreign nationals with business visas to include same-sex spouses as beneficiaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waivers can help those with immigration violations, considering hardships on eligible family members.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deportation cases involving LGBTQ individuals may require skilled immigration lawyers to avoid removal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asylum offers protection for LGBTQ individuals facing persecution based on traits or beliefs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USCIS recognizes transgender issues but seeking legal advice for immigration complexities is crucial.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Same-sex couples can now access the same immigration benefits as heterosexual couples.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process for petitioning a same-sex spouse for a green card is similar to opposite-sex marriages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proving the authenticity of a same-sex marriage is essential to avoid immigration challenges.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bona fide same-sex marriage is one based on genuine love, not for immigration benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various documents can be used to demonstrate the validity of a same-sex marriage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ immigration rights have evolved, with LGBTQ individuals now enjoying equal rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immigration rights apply to married LGBTQ couples, but the marriage must be legally recognized.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children of same-sex couples can also benefit from immigration sponsorship.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ immigration through refugee and asylum status is an option for those facing persecution based on sexual orientation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_LGBTQ_Immigration_Challenges_in_Columbia_MO\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are the LGBTQ Immigration Challenges in Columbia, MO?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ immigrants have alternatives under US immigration law. The Homeland Security and Justice Departments accepted same-sex marriages for immigration in June 2013. Still, LGBTQ immigrants face <\/span><b>many difficult issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that require careful attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Family-Based_Immigration\"><\/span><b>Family-Based Immigration<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US citizens can petition for same-sex spouses. The country where the marriage occurred must recognize it. A foreign spouse can apply for a green card in the US by staying. Immigration restrictions may force some to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US citizens abroad can appeal for their fianc\u00e9. Marriage in the US allows residency without leaving. Same-sex spouses can also receive <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/immigration\/family-immigration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">family-based visas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Legal marriage recognizes stepchildren.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Employment-Based_Immigration\"><\/span><b>Employment-Based Immigration<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foreigners with business visa petitions can add same-sex spouses as derivative beneficiaries. The word covers the qualifying immediate family. Principal beneficiary categorization determines visa classification.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waivers\"><\/span><b>Waivers<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people who are ineligible for entry into the US owing to a criminal or immigration infraction may be able to get a waiver. Most exemptions require proving hardship to a qualified family member, usually a US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since same-sex marriages are officially recognized, hardship evaluation will evaluate any prospective challenges for the US citizen spouse. This is significant when the foreign national&#8217;s home country has severe LGBTQ policies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deportation\"><\/span><b>Deportation<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many ways to escape deportation require showing hardship on a spouse, parent, or child. Skilled immigration lawyers can identify these concerns and decide the best case approach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As many nations openly oppress LGBTQ people, asylum or withholding of deportation before an immigration judge is crucial. LGBT people confront additional challenges during deportation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Asylum\"><\/span><b>Asylum<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asylum protects persons who fear persecution in their home country for their ideas or attributes. If your home nation allows LGBTQ or HIV-positive persecution, see an immigration attorney <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/asylum-refugee-status\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about requesting asylum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ and HIV-positive people can benefit from complex asylum laws. No one should be sent back to a nation where they may be persecuted or allow others to persecute them for their sexuality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transgender_Identification_Issues\"><\/span><b>Transgender Identification Issues<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USCIS generally provides helpful policy guidance on transgender matters. However, when navigating the complexities of immigration law, seeking legal advice is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_LGBTQ_Challenges_During_the_Immigration_Process_in_Columbia_MO\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are the LGBTQ Challenges During the Immigration Process in Columbia, MO?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USCIS treats applications from same-sex couples just like those from heterosexual couples. However, when a U.S. citizen or green card holder applies for a marriage-based green card for their foreign spouse, they <\/span><b>might encounter additional challenges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"No_Connection_With_In-Laws\"><\/span><b>No Connection With In-Laws<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For legal documentation of your marriage, add photos of you, your spouse, and your family. Include these images in your initial application to demonstrate your actual friendship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Same-sex couples may have trouble answering these questions if their spouse&#8217;s family doesn&#8217;t accept them or doesn&#8217;t know about their sexuality. In such instances, honesty is ideal. Explain why you haven&#8217;t met them instead of pretending you don&#8217;t know.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>How Can I Handle This?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your petition can include everyday activities to prove a legally valid marriage, which is difficult. Letters to your in-laws reveal your true bond. You&#8217;ll have a green card interview during the marriage green card process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring these images and be ready for immigration questions. They may ask about your spouse&#8217;s parents and siblings or your shared experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Absence_of_Job_or_Housing_Records\"><\/span><b>Absence of Job or Housing Records<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharing a lease, bank accounts, or listing your spouse as an emergency contact or beneficiary on work paperwork shows a genuine marriage. This can be difficult for same-sex couples, especially in jurisdictions where LGBTQ people are not protected from housing or job discrimination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>How Can I Handle This?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A shared lease proves cohabitation. You can also utilize joint utility bills, matching driver&#8217;s licenses or IDs, or government documentation proving your common address.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suppose you lack employment-related documents mentioning your spouse. In that case, you can provide alternative proof, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statements from a shared bank account<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of being listed as beneficiaries on each other&#8217;s life insurance policies (they don&#8217;t have to come from an employer)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit card statements held jointly<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key is to show that you share a residence and financial commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Past_Heterosexual_Marriages\"><\/span><b>Past Heterosexual Marriages<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Same-sex couples seeking green cards may worry about heterosexual weddings. Be honest since immigration authorities will find out if you lie.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To confirm your heterosexual or same-sex marriages ended legally, provide the marriage, divorce, or death certificates on your I-130 petition. Also, mention this in your green card interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you or your same-sex spouse previously applied for a green card based on a former heterosexual marriage, it can be more challenging. This could indicate a fake marriage for immigration or green cards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>How Can I Handle This?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suppose you&#8217;ve become a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident through a previous marriage and want to sponsor your spouse for a green card. In that case, your current marriage will undergo close examination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be prepared to honestly explain why you were in a heterosexual marriage if any of these conditions apply to you or your previous marriages. Same-sex couples may face special challenges in confirming their marriage&#8217;s legal legality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_My_LGBTQ_Immigration_Rights\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are My LGBTQ Immigration Rights?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the past, LGBTQ immigrant rights were nonexistent in the US. Immigrants were denied entry for being LGBT. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/history.state.gov\/milestones\/1945-1952\/immigration-act\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immigration and Nationality Act of 1951<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> called LGBTQ a &#8220;mental defect,&#8221; and then a &#8220;deviation.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immigration policy considered it a medical reason to bar immigrants from the US. Much has changed since then.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Immigrant_Rights_for_Married_Couples\"><\/span><b>Immigrant Rights for Married Couples<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ married couples can handle U.S. immigration like opposite-sex couples. U.S. citizens or permanent residents can file for immigrant visas for their LGBTQ spouses. To be eligible for immigration, the marriage must be legally recognized where it happened.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, marriage should occur in a country where same-sex marriage is allowed. Marriage would be illegal in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex marriages are illegal. The pair may need a fianc\u00e9 visa to marry in the US or another same-sex country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For USCIS to recognize a proxy marriage, it must be consummated. U.S. citizens and permanent residents file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. USCIS will grant the spouse a green card if they match immigration standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Children_of_Same-Sex_Couples\"><\/span><b>Children of Same-Sex Couples<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immigrant rights also apply to the children of LGBTQ couples. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their same-sex spouse for immigration, including their children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s say a gay U.S. citizen marries a Dutch citizen with two small children who must stay with him. The U.S. citizen petitions for CR1 or IR1 immigration visas for his spouse and IR2 or CR2 for his stepchildren.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stepchildren from same-sex marriages might be beneficiaries (F2A) or derivatives (F3, F4, E1-E4, or DV). Same-sex marriages must have occurred before the child became 18, just as opposite-sex marriages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Immigrant_Rights_for_Refugees_and_Asylees\"><\/span><b>Immigrant Rights for Refugees and Asylees<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ refugee and asylum immigration to the US are increasingly popular. Refugees and asylum seekers may be given protection due to past or prospective persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many candidates are from places where same-sex marriages or homosexuality are outlawed. Same-sex marriage is illegal in most countries except for 29. LGBTQ identities are illegal in several African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean nations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assisting_LGBTQ_Immigrant_Individuals_and_Families_in_Columbia_MO\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assisting LGBTQ Immigrant Individuals and Families in Columbia, MO<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The complex LGBTQ immigration issues in Columbia, MO require professional advice and steadfast support. At Gateway Immigration Law Firm, we value our knowledge and experience. We help LGBTQ people and families overcome immigration obstacles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our knowledgeable immigration lawyers provide compassionate and effective legal solutions to help you achieve your immigration goals. If you or a loved one has LGBTQ immigration issues, contact Gateway Immigration Law Firm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We understand these situations&#8217; specific difficulties and intricacies and can provide legal assistance and support. Amnesty, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/immigration\/diversity-visa-lottery\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diversity Visa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/immigration\/adjustment-of-status\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adjustment of Status<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are available from our law practice. Start a better future in the US today by contacting us.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Building Inclusivity: Tackling LGBTQ Immigration Issues in Columbia, MO LGBTQ immigration issues in Columbia, MO make immigration law complicated. This category addresses LGBTQ families&#8217; difficulties when reuniting or starting new lives in the US. The road can be difficult and require legal aid.\u00a0 These cases are complicated by discrimination, policy, and legal interpretation. LGBTQ immigration [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":8149,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,131],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8148"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8148"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8148\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8150,"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8148\/revisions\/8150"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gatewayimmigrationlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}