- About
The Immigration Justice Campaign
A joint initiative between the American Immigration Council and AILA seeks to change the playing field for immigrants facing deportation.
- Membership
Eligible to Join AILA?
Apply Today - Advocacy
and MediaThe First 100 Days of the Biden Administration
AILA provides a series of 12 charts comparing President Biden’s accomplishments 100 days after entering office with the comprehensive recommendations AILA presented to the president.
View All - AILA U and
Conferences - Publications
And Videos- Law
PracticeThe AILA Career Center offers more than access to the best possible industry candidates.
- InfoNet
Research LibraryAILALink
AILALink puts an entire immigration law library at your fingertips! Search the AILALink database for all your practice needs—statutes, regs, case law, agency guidance, publications, and more.
- Recent
PostingsSupreme Court Ruling on DOMA Should Give Equal Immigration Rights to Lawfully Married Same Sex Couples
AILA Doc. No. 13062641 | Dated June 26, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 26, 2013CONTACTS: George Tzamaras
202-507-7649
gtzamaras@aila.orgBelle Woods
202-507-7675
bwoods@aila.org
Washington, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) applauds the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), finding it unconstitutional.
"Same sex bi-national couples have fought long and hard for the right to keep their families together. It's only fair that if a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is legally married-regardless of sexual orientation-that their lawful marriage be recognized by the federal government when it comes to immigration issues," said AILA President Laura Lichter.
She continued, "Because of DOMA, bi-national same sex couples often had to choose between staying together, but leaving the U.S., or splitting apart. Over 30 countries provide immigration benefits for same sex couples and we have seen firsthand the incredible toll of this unconstitutional discrimination. Any American would agree that being forced to choose between your homeland and your loved one is a heart-breaking choice."
Ms. Lichter concluded, "Allowing our immigration system to recognize same sex bi-national couples will also make America more attractive to global talent. According to Immigration Equality, there are an estimated 36,000 same sex bi-national couples in the United States, and those families include 25,000 children. AILA believes that LGBT/same sex families should be included in the definition of the American family and that should be reflected in our immigration laws. I'm ecstatic that the Supreme Court's ruling today should guarantee all lawfully married couples equal rights in regards to immigration."
###
The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.
Cite as AILA Doc. No. 13062641.
Navigate AILA.org
American Immigration Lawyers Association
1331 G Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005Copyright © 1993-
American Immigration Lawyers Association.AILA.org should not be relied upon as the exclusive source for your legal research. Nothing on AILA.org constitutes legal advice, and information on AILA.org is not a substitute for independent legal advice based on a thorough review and analysis of the facts of each individual case, and independent research based on statutory and regulatory authorities, case law, policy guidance, and for procedural issues, federal government websites.
- Law
