Illinois Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

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Same-Sex Marriage

Illinois Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

In late November of 2013, Illinois legalized same-sex marriage, putting the state on track to join the fourteen other states:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Iowa
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Washington

and the District of Colombia, in allowing same sex couples to marry.

Previously, we discussed the availability of immigration benefits for same sex couples (also see the FAQs).

If you live in a state where gay and lesbian couples are not allowed to marry then you must travel to a state where such marriage is allowed and marry there. Then, provided you and your spouse meet all other requirements, you may confer immigration benefits on your spouse.

If your same sex partner is abroad, you may choose to marry in a country where same-sex marriage is legal, like:

  • Canada
  • France
  • Great Britain
  • South Africa

or Spain among other countries. A legal same sex marriage abroad can also be used to confer immigration benefits on your foreign spouse. Our clients are located all over the U.S. and abroad so if you can’t visit our Sacramento or our San Francisco offices you can still contact us at (916) 613–3553.

Reuniting Same Sex Couples

We have already filed and are preparing these same sex marriage cases. It is bringing me a great deal of joy to reunite same sex couples who were previously unable to enjoy the same immigration benefits as heterosexual married couples.

Published by: Ranchod Law Group

Related Information on same sex marriage and relationships: