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Immigration and International Rights

The current definition of "family" in U.S. immigration law does not include same-sex partners. Therefore, thousands of same-sex couples are separated or live in constant fear of being stopped by officials who demand to see documentation and threaten detention. In some cases, same-sex partners face prosecution by the Immigration and Naturalization Service – including hefty fines and deportations.

U.S. citizens are sometimes left with no other choice but to emigrate with their partners to a country with more fair-minded immigration laws.

United Nations / International Law:  Many countries grant same-sex couples greater rights, benefits and protections than those available to GLBT families in the United States. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. Since then, marriage equality has become the law in Belgium, Canada, Spain and South Africa. Domestic partnership registration is also an option in a growing number of countries, and some governments recognize same-sex partnerships for immigration purposes. Learn more about international relationship recognition.