I've been an international student in Mass for the past two years. I've always wanted to work in the Biotechnological industry, and since it doesn't exist in my home country, Belize, I have decided to extend my stay with an OPT. This allows me to stay in the country for another year to work. After that, my options are a lot more limited. In the past two years, I have also fallen in love and been dating someone. This is where my situation gets unique. I am part of a same-sex partnership. My partner has expressed interest to get married in Mass, out of love. However, we'd like to know how this would help my situation. I find it difficult to believe that if my papers in the future, after my OPT, do not win me a better situation either with a work visa or another extension, that the federal government would null my marriage, recognized now by MA, ME, IA, VT, CT and NH, and deport me as the case may be. Any advice?
Submitted by lfn123 on Fri, 05/01/2009 - 11:16
Posted in
Editor's Response
That is an interesting question, but I'm afraid the subject is well beyond my limited experience in immigration law. However, I have read several articles on the Internet that argue that the U.S. Defense of Marriage Act prohibits federal immigration authorities from treating same-sex relationships as a 'marriage.' That would mean, I assume, that U.S. citizen, such as your partner, cannot sponsor his or her spouse to immigrate to the U.S. If and when you decide to get married, However, I would certainly consult an immigration law attorney. Good luck, and please tell your friends about The Forum.