"The decision in the DOMA case, which gives married gay couples all the federal benefits and rights that straight married couples are entitled to, could mean citizenship for an estimated 36,000 couples, according to Immigration Equality, a gay rights and immigration advocacy group. American citizens and green card holders can submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an international spouse to receive a green card. Furthermore, a green card holder who has lived in the U.S. and been married to an American for at least three years can apply for naturalization if other conditions are met.
Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, confirmed the effect of the ruling in a statement yesterday. “I applaud today’s Supreme Court decision…This discriminatory law denied thousands of legally married same-sex couples many important federal benefits, including immigration benefits,” she said. “Working with our federal partners, including the Department of Justice, we will implement today’s decision so that all married couples will be treated equally and fairly in the administration of our immigration laws." - TIME
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