Recent Postings and Announcements
Recent Activities for Allison Spitz-Perry, Esq.
I am proud to announce that I have accepted the role of General Counsel for the New York City Gay Hockey Association (NYCGHA). NYCGHA is New York’s first official gay hockey organization. With six teams, over 150 skaters, and 600+ fans worldwide, the mission of the NYCGHA is to provide an environment free of harassment and discrimination for members and friends of the LGBT community to play ice hockey and fulfill their athletic aspirations. A truly diverse organization, the NYCGHA membership is a mixture of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight men and women. (Twenty percent of the membership is female, and 30 percent is heterosexual.)
The NYCGHA is a member of Gay Hockey International and is a Nonprofit Organization under IRS code 501(c)(3). My services for the NYCGHA is on a pro-bona basis.
Reasons to Apply for US Citizenship and How President Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration Can Affect Some Legal Permanent Residents.
If you have been a Permanent resident for at least 5 years, or you are married to a US Citizens and have been a Permanent resident for at least 3 years, and have maintained “continuous residence in the US, then most likely you will be eligible to apply for US Citizenship. See "Spitz-Perry Blog" page for complete article.
Immigration Options for Citizens of the Philippines, Green Card and Non-Immigrant Visa Options Without Long Waits Exist.
Family based petitions for nationals of the Philippines have been backed up for years. Immediate Relative Petitions are “current”, meaning no backlog, but what are your options if you do not qualify as an Immediate Relative? See "Spitz-Perry Blog" page for complete article.
Same Sex Marriage, It Is Not All Equal. The Value of Prenuptial Agreements and Adoption.
Did you know that many states still ban Marriage Equality? See how this can effect you and your same sex spouse beyond Immigration Issues. See "Spitz-Perry Blog" page for complete article.
The Supreme Court has struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law blocking federal recognition of same-sex marriages.
The decision was 5-4, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy.
“DOMA instructs all federal officials, and indeed all persons with whom same-sex couples interact, including their own children, that their marriage is less worthy than the marriages of others,” the ruling said. “The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity.”
We can now help same sex married couples obtain Immigration Benefits. Please contact Allison Spitz-Perry for information regarding this exciting ground-breaking news.