The US Embassy in Manila has officially issued the names of the first three successful LGBT applicants for same-sex fiancé visas on December 4, 2013. Among the first few successful same-sex fiance visa applicants in the world is our client US Visa application procedure who was represented by our American immigration lawyer in Manila – Attorney Ryan Barshop.
Right to Petition Same-sex Fiance
The US Supreme Court’s landmark decision in United States vs. Windsor on June 26, 2013 opens the opportunity for same-sex couples to petition their partners for fiance visa. The Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of marriage Act (DOMA) for its unconstitutionality. Although several states have recognized same-sex marriage before the landmark ruling, this provision of DOMA has prevented LGBT partners from petitioning their same-sex fiance.
Same-sex Fiance Visa
After the US Supreme Court ruled on the unconstitutionality of DOMA, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the State Department implemented immigration changes by permitting LGBT who are American citizens to petition their LGBT fiance.
US Immigration Lawyer in Manila
Bridgeway Immigration Consultancy, through the dedication and expertise of US immigration lawyer in Manila Ryan Barshop, was honored to have the first same-sex fiance visa approval.