By Audrey Hudson
Same-sex married partners seeking U.S. travel visas will now be recognized as legal couples under a new rule put forth by Secretary of State John Kerry, the Advocate reports.
http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/08/03/john-kerry-confirms-same-sex-couples-now-eligible-visas
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"One of our most important exports by far is America’s belief in the equality of all people," Kerry said Friday at the U.S. embassy in London announcing his decision.
"Now, our history shows that we haven't always gotten it right," but Kerry said the recent Supreme Court decision changing the definition of marriage will change that.
The change in visa status means preferential treatment for the couples in the application process, reports the Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/same-sex-spouses-to-get-us-visa-benefit/2013/08/02/54752070-fb7f-11e2-89f7-8599e3f77a67_story.html
It also helps foreign nationals in a same-sex marriage with U.S. citizens to more easily acquire a visa.
The announcement comes on the heels of a Homeland Security Department decision by Secretary Janet Napolitano to acknowledge same-sex marriage when awarding green cards.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10976360.htm
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