U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be expanding the definition of “members of a family residing in one household” to include long-term same-sex couples. In practice, this means that same-sex couples and their families will be able to file one joint customs declaration upon entry to the United States. CBP reports that they anticipate the change saving “up to $2.8 million annually in personnel time.” Additionally, the rule provides for “other domestic relationships” such as foster children and stepchildren. The rule will go into effect on January 17, 2014 and applies to U.S. citizens, legal residents, and international visitors.
