ERM Immigration Law, PLLC
E|R|M Immigration Law, PLLC

Getting The Results You Should Expect When Hiring An Immigration Attorney

LGBTQ Rights And U.S. Immigration Law

For LGBTQ individuals and couples navigating the U.S. immigration system, understanding your rights and options in Washington is essential. Same-sex marriages are now treated the same as opposite-sex marriages for all immigration purposes, opening pathways that were previously unavailable.

At ERM Immigration Law, PLLC, our attorneys understand the unique challenges that LGBTQ immigrants and binational couples face. From our Seattle office, our lawyers work with clients across the country and the globe, offering in-person and virtual consultations to accommodate your needs.

The Importance Of Federally Recognized Marriage

A federally recognized marriage is the cornerstone of many immigration benefits for same-sex couples. When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident marries a foreign national of the same sex, they can sponsor their spouse for:

  • Family-based immigrant visas (green cards)
  • K-1 fiancé(e) visas for partners still abroad
  • Derivative status on employment-based visas
  • Waivers of inadmissibility in certain circumstances

The marriage must be legally valid in the jurisdiction where it was performed, even if the couple currently lives in a location that might not recognize same-sex marriage. This federal recognition provides crucial protection for binational LGBTQ families who wish to build their lives together in the United States.

Immigration Options Beyond Marriage

While marriage provides the most straightforward path to family-based immigration benefits, we also help LGBTQ clients explore other options, including:

  • Employment-based visas that don’t depend on marital status
  • Asylum claims based on persecution due to sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Diversity visa lottery applications
  • Special immigrant juvenile status for LGBTQ youth

Each situation is unique, and our attorneys take the time to understand your specific circumstances before recommending the most appropriate immigration strategy.

 

Contact Us For Compassionate Legal Support

If you are an LGBTQ individual or part of a binational couple seeking immigration assistance in Seattle, Washington, our attorneys can help you navigate the immigration system while respecting your relationship and identity. Call us at 206-745-9241 or use our online contact form to schedule an initial consultation. We are here to help you pursue your path to legal status in the United States.