Immigration Judge Suspends Deportation of Same-Sex Spouse

New York-based U.S. Immigration Judge Terry Bain has suspended the deportation of the same-sex spouse of a U.S. citizen pending federal recognition of their marriage.  While Judge Bain's decision does not set a binding precedent for other same-sex couples in similar situations, it is expected that other judges will take note of this case and suspend similar deportations until the Defense of Marriage Act is repealed or its constitutionality determined.  For more information on the Alcota-Ojeda case, as it is known, please click on the link. 

Relief for Japanese and Other Nationals from the Pacific Due to Earthquakes and Tsunami

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced relief for Japanese nationals and other nationals from the Pacific that are stranded in the United States due to the devastation caused by the March 11, 2011 earthquakes and tsunamis. Such nationals that have exceeded or are about to exceed their permitted stay in the U.S. are granted an additional 30 days to depart the country.

Japanese nationals and other nationals from the Pacific in need of additional authorized time that are traveling under the Visa Waiver Program should contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the airport or visit the nearest USCIS office.

Japanese nationals and other nationals from the Pacific in need of additional authorized time that are under a nonimmigrant visa should contact an immigration attorney for assistance or visit a local USCIS office with a valid passport, an I-94 card, and itinerary for the cancelled flight or other evidence of being stranded.

The nearest USCIS office may be found through this link to the USCIS Service and Office Locator.

Additional information regarding this relief may be found through this link to the USCIS website.