May 29th, 2012
Posted in MONTPELIER, Vermont – A married lesbian couple residing in Vermont can breathe a sigh of relief after facing deportation.
Takako Ueda, a Japanese immigrant, and her American spouse, Frances Herbert, had faced the possibility of being separated by deportation, but federal authorities have granted them a reprieve.
The couple was told on Tuesday that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services decided to defer deportation proceedings against Ueda, whose visa had expired.
Ueda received a letter in December that told her she needed to leave the country by Dec. 31. After months of struggling, Herbert said her wife’s case would be reviewed in two years, giving the couple some time to prepare.
“Now at least we can exhale,” said Herbert.
Ueda and Herbert, who were married in Vermont last year, are among five same-sex couples who sued the federal government in April over obtaining green cards for foreign-born same-sex spouses. Because the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage, Ueda was not allowed to obtain legal status.
The letter authorizes Ueda to seek employment and apply for a state driver’s license.
Although the couple was granted a reprieve, USCIS spokesman Christopher Bentley said the agency’s position on same-sex marriages has not changed.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with an immigration matter in Vermont, contact an immigration lawyer immediately for help.
Vermont immigration attorneys handle various types of issues, including helping their clients apply legal status, assisting them with finding a job, as well as preventing families from being separated and deported. They take also take care of all the paperwork and phone calls so you won’t have anything to worry about during proceedings.
Call today to schedule a meeting with an immigration attorney in Vermont to get started on your case.
Tags: Christopher Bentley, Citizenship And Immigration, Citizenship And Immigration Services, Deportation Proceedings, Federal Authorities, Finding A Job, Green Cards, Immigration Attorney, Immigration Attorneys, Immigration Lawyer, Immigration Matter, Imminent Deportation, Japanese Immigrant, Montpelier Vermont, S Citizenship And Immigration Services, Same Sex Couples, Same Sex Marriage, Same Sex Marriages, Sex Couple, U S Citizenship And Immigration Services