Question: If I marry In Massachusetts, can my partner from another country immigrate?
Dear Kathy:
I am wondering, because I'm a bit confused, if Massachusetts has legalized Gay Marriages, does that mean that if my partner lived there and I am from another country and we got married there then would I be legally allowed to stay?
Answer: Unfortunately, the answer is no. Because of the Federal Defense of Marriage law, no federal marriage benefits are available to gay and lesbian couples married in Massachusetts. Massachusetts couples are eligible for all the state marriage benefits, but none of the federal ones. Unfortunately, immigration is a federal benefit.
