We are thrilled to continue representing same sex couples following the repeal of DOMA last June. What we have noticed is the speed of the process in these particular cases. Just recently we filed an I-130 petition, simultaneously with the I-485 application for a same sex couple. They met, while working as professional dancers on a major cruise line. They became a couple long before the DOMA was repealed and were married prior to last June as well. One of the men, a native and citizen of Australia wished to become a lawful permanent resident and reside in the United States with his spouse, once they stopped traveling with the cruise line. Our Australian client entered for several years on a crewman (or C-1 visa). Despite this, we filed for his residency by virtue of his marriage to a U.S. citizen.

The couple had an extensive number of photographs and memorabilia that depicted the evolution of their relationship throughout the years and through visits to more than twenty countries. We submitted many of these, creating a story for the examining officer to follow allowing him to follow their relationship from dating through marriage. When we at attended the interview, the ICE officer expressed his gratification with our firm for the ease of the interview due to the thorough and organized package we filed. He did not separate the couple to ask any questions about their relationship.