The U.S. State Department (DOS) has made it easier for U.S. citizens who used reproductive technology to confer U.S. citizenship to his or her child born while abroad. This also applies to same-sex couples. Under the new interpretation, children born abroad to married parents may be entitled to birthright citizenship as long as one parent is a U.S. citizen and the child is related either genetically or gestationally to one parent.
On May 18, 2021, DOS updated the interpretations for children born abroad to married parents who used IVF or a surrogate. Previously, DHS denied birthright citizenship to some children born overseas via IVF or surrogacy if the child was not genetically related to an American parent.
Children born abroad via surrogacy and other forms of reproductive technology using the sperm or egg of their non-American parent would still be entitled to birthright citizenship as long as their parents are married.
The State Department said in a statement the updated interpretation
“takes into account the realities of modern families and advances in [assisted reproductive technology].”
Same-sex marriage is legal in the United States and is recognized by the U.S. State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Family unity is one of the primary goals of immigration policy in the United States. An LGBTQ couple with a family is legally entitled to the same protections as a different-sex couple.
Learn More:
Sponsoring a Same-Sex Fiancé for a K-1 Visa
An experienced immigration lawyer can help same-sex couple families determine their eligibility for services, and the steps to take. Mario Godoy and the other immigration attorneys at the Godoy Law Office can assess your situation and advise you on your best options. Call today at 312-736-0424.
Se habla español.
AREAS WE SERVE: Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, and Lake Counties
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.