DC LGBTQ Immigration Lawyer
A DC LGBTQ immigration lawyer can help prospective immigrants take advantage of immigration policies involving families with same-sex marriages. Although marriages among those of the same gender are now treated equally with marriages between those of opposite genders, applicants must still demonstrate that a marriage is valid. In the case of same-sex marriages, that sometimes proves difficult.
LGBTQ individuals often face discrimination or abuse, and these situations may affect the ability to demonstrate the bona fides of a marriage. A skilled immigration attorney who understands the unique challenges confronting LGBTQ applicants can explore all available options while working to protect an applicant’s rights. En Español.
Immigration Eligibility
The majority of those eligible to seek a permanent immigrant visa have some connection to the United States through family or employment. Some applicants, however, become eligible based on status as a refugee, or due to their status as a victim of a crime or other factors.
An LGBTQ immigration lawyer in Washington, DC can evaluate an individual’s circumstances to determine potential avenues of visa availability.
Changes in Family Immigration
The recognition of same-sex marriage provides couples of the same gender with immigration opportunities equal to those enjoyed by couples in opposite gender marriages. Advantages also extend to the children of same-sex couples, including stepchildren.
Family-based immigrant visas may be issued to specified relatives of U.S. citizens including:
- Spouses
- Parents
- Siblings
- Minor children
- Adult children (married and unmarried)
Additionally, spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the U.S. also qualify to apply for a family-based immigrant visa. A DC LGBTQ immigration lawyer can explain how the inclusion of same-sex marriage affects many of the relationships that qualify for immigrant visas and thus opens many new opportunities.
Priorities in Visa Availability
Family-based visas, employment-based visas, and other types of visas are limited in number and applicants are ranked in order of preference based on their qualifications. For instance, workers who have advanced education and achieved acclaim in their field will generally be ranked higher in priority than laborers with minimal education and no specialized skills.
Priority for family relationships starts with those considered “immediate relatives” of U.S. citizens. Spouses, parents, and unmarried minor children (including orphans adopted abroad) are all included in this category. Incidentally, the immediate relative category is the only one not subject to an annual quota, so a DC LGBTQ immigration lawyer will seek to establish an applicant’s eligibility in this category if possible.
Work with an Experienced DC LGBTQ Immigration Attorney Today
Changes in immigration policy have opened doors, but they have not made it any easier to get through those doors. The process of seeking an immigrant visa involves many stages, requirements, and deadlines. Failure to provide the right information in the desired format can result in delays or denial of an application.
To avoid problems associated with incomplete applications, missed deadlines, or other concerns, many applicants choose to work with a dedicated DC LGBTQ immigration lawyer. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can help all throughout the process or step in to assist when a delay or problem arises. To learn the advantages an experienced legal advocate can provide in your situation, call now.