Changes to both the immigration laws and the statutes that govern gay marriage in the United States have been opening up a whole new world of possibilities for gay couples all across the country. California, which leads the way in terms of giving greater legal rights to both immigrants and gays, offers a number of examples of just how these new developments have been making life in America more equal, more fulfilling and just plain happier for gay immigrants.
Alfred Cheung in San Francisco has been having to operate his technology company, which designs and sells software to help non-profit and government organizations, from out of the regulatory shadows due to the fact that he has been living in the United States without being in possession of a green card.
This year’s ruling by the Supreme Court to strike down both California’s ban on gay marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act left Cheung free to marry his boyfriend – which he did last month – and paved the way for him to be able to receive full US citizenship. Cheung has previously been fearful of trying to find new investors and promote his business but can now try to grow his company without fear of legal repercussions.
There are around 36,000 same-sex couples in the United States where one partner was born overseas and waiting to receive a green card as a spouse of an American citizen, according to a UCLA study.