It’s been a busy time since yesterday, when the Obama Administration announced it would no longer defend in court the section of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that would deny Federal benefits to same-sex couples who are legally married. The phones here at Romben Law, APC in Los Angeles…
Wednesday’s announcement by the White House that the Obama Administration has said it will not defend section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act in court is something of a welcome surprise. This should mean that — at least in states where same-sex marriage is legal — same-sex couples can…
On the occasion of Pride Month, the US Department of State has announced a change in policy regarding the way that sex and gender reassignment are noted on US passports. The immigration Romben Law, APC, long-time advocates for gay and lesbian immigrants, receive questions regularly about how gender is reflected…
Beginning January 4, 2010, applicants for visas or greencards will no longer be considered inadmissible for being HIV positive. Early last month, the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) removed HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) from the definition of a “communicable disease of public health significance.” This marks a major success…
On 14 October 2009, Congressman Luis Gutíerrez of Illinois released a set of principles which he hopes will be incorporated into any Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) package. As advocates for immigrants, the attorneys at the Los Angeles-based immigration Romben Law, APC, we watch closely any progress on CIR. Central to…
Because the debates about Health Care Reform are taking so much of the Congress’ energy, the Obama Administration believes that Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) will not be considered by the Congress until the beginning of 2010. Romben Law, APC has many clients in Los Angeles, CA and throughout the nation…
With the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson yesterday, the news about the “launch” of the immigration reform policy discussion passed under the radar for most people. As immigration attorneys in Los Angeles, Romben Law, APC advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of the immigration system in the USA. The…
On 3 June 2009, the US Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA). UAFA would amend US immigration law to permit American citizens and Legal Permanent Residents to sponsor their same-sex partners as traditionally-married Americans can. J Craig Fong (Retired from the practice of law),…
Because Romben Law, APC sees many gay men and lesbians at our immigration law offices in Los Angeles, we get inquiries about asylum based on sexual orientation. To get asylum, the applicant must demonstrate to a hearing officer or Immigration Judge (IJ) that s/he would suffer persecution if s/he returned…
As the pioneering Los Angeles immigration law firm that has always welcomed inquiries and consultation from members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities, Romben Law, APC has been tracking the progress of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) in the US Congress. The New York Times is reporting that the…