Month: July 2013

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 84 Comments

Ken Stern to Speak on the Critical Ethical Issues of Immigration Reform

Attorney Ken Stern will be speaking to the The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Denver as part of their summer seminar series.  His talk, entitled “The Real Issues behind Comprehensive Immigration Reform,” will explore the critical ethical issues and matters of principle that need to be resolved as part of our ongoing immigration debate as reflected in comprehensive immigration reform.

OLLI is an adult learning membership program designed for men and women age 50 and “better” who wish to pursue lifelong learning. OLLI members, from diverse backgrounds and professions, share the desire to stay intellectually active and engaged.

 

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 75 Comments

DOMA Ruling Clears the Way for Immigration Sponsorship for Same-Sex Spouses

With a truly historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional, paving the way for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their same-sex spouses for immigration benefits.  The 5-4 ruling was celebrated at the annual convention of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which began the same day the Court issued its ruling.  Prior to the ruling, some citizens had taken the bold move to apply for permanent residence for their same-sex partners, only to have their petitions denied due to DOMA.  Director of the USCIS, Alejandro Mayorkas, speaking at the convention, stated that USCIS had kept track of all the applications that had been denied under DOMA and alluded that USCIS may take corrective action on its own.  Already the first foreign gay spouse has received permanent residence and Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, has issued an implementation statement clarifying that in general individuals can sponsor their same-sex spouses for permanent residence provided they were married in a state in which same-sex marriage is legal.  Stay tuned for further developments related to this exciting news.

 

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