US Changes Policy Regarding Same-Sex Couples' Visa Applications
A change in United States policy removes any differences in treatment regarding the visa applications of same-sex married couples as opposed to opposite-sex spouses, Secretary of State John Kerry revealed Friday.
The policy change is slated to take effect immediately and will be applied to American citizens as well as foreign same-sex couples, but will be levied on those marriages that have taken place in jurisdictions where same-sex marriage is recognized.
"Effective immediately, when same-sex spouses apply for a visa, the Department of State will consider that application in the same manner that it will consider the application of opposite-sex spouses," Kerry announced at the American Embassy in London.
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"If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, your visa application will be treated equally," he said. "If you are the spouse of a noncitizen your visa application will be treated equally."
In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Defesne of Marriage Act President Obama ordered a review of the visa application process and was the reason for this particular review and subsequent policy change.
Kerry said the State Department was "tearing down an unjust and an unfair barrier that for too long stood in the way of same-sex families being able to travel as a family to the United States. "
"This is one of those moments when policy and values join together," Kerry stated.
However, the issue regarding same-sex marriage visa applicants has been controversial, as supporters of DOMA stated that any provisions related to same-sex couples would be a non-starter regarding immigration reform.
Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, previously told the Christian Post that such a proposal would be a "deal-killer."
"Same-sex partner provisions such as those included in the Uniting American Families Act would be strongly opposed by many in our communities who are otherwise sympathetic or even enthusiastic about the benefits of immigration reform," said Land.
