U.S. to Give Equal Treatment to Same-Sex Spouses’ Visa Applications

U.S. to Give Equal Treatment to Same-Sex Spouses’ Visa Applications By MICHAEL R. GORDON Last Updated: 2:37 PM ET LONDON — The United States will treat the visa applications of same-sex married couples in the same manner as opposite-sex spouses, Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday, announcing a policy change set in motion in June, after the Supreme Court struck down a law against same-sex marriage. The policy change, which will take effect immediately, will apply to American citizens as well as foreign same-sex couples, dependent only on the marriage having taken place in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage. “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,” Mr. Kerry announced at the American Embassy here. “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.” The change was hailed by gay rights groups. “We are relieved and pleased,” said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, a lobbying group. “It brings a clarity that gay and lesbian couples around the world have been waiting for.” On June 26, the Supreme Court struck down a section of the Defense of Marriage Act that defined marriage as a union between a man and woman. Since then, Ms. Tiven said, same-sex couples have been showing up at American embassies and consulates around the world seeking visas only to be told that until there was official guidance from the State Department, no action could be taken. “There was a lot of frustration,” she said. After the ruling, President Obama asked federal agencies to review their policies. Mr. Kerry said Friday that his announcement was the result of that review. Mr. 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,” said Mr. Kerry, who noted that he had voted against the Defense of Marriage act as a senator. Mr. Kerry spoke shortly after arriving in London from Pakistan. Mr. Kerry plans to meet here with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed, to discuss Egypt, Syria and other Middle East issues. England and Wales have legalized same-sex marriage starting next year. More than a dozen foreign countries have adopted laws legalizing same-sex marriage. “One of our important exports by far is America’s belief in the equality of all people,” Mr. Kerry said. Marc Santora contributed reporting from New York.