Are civil unions recognized in immigration benefits?

In Georgia, civil unions are not recognized for immigration benefits. Generally, the federal government does not recognize civil unions for immigration purposes, meaning that a foreign national cannot obtain a green card through a civil union with an American citizen or a U.S. permanent resident. Although some states, such as Massachusetts, have enacted statutes that equate civil unions with marriage for immigration purposes, Georgia does not have such a law. In Georgia, all forms of same-sex marriage are not recognized for immigration purposes. Therefore, all same-sex couples, regardless of whether they are in a civil union or a marriage, cannot obtain a green card. Similarly, opposite-sex couples in civil unions do not receive the same immigration benefits that opposite-sex couples in marriages receive. As a result, couples in civil unions may want to explore other avenues to obtaining a green card, such as sponsoring the foreign national through a family-based immigration petition. This can be an involved process, so it is best to consult with a knowledgeable immigration attorney.

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