Justice Sonia Sotomayor expressed strong dissent in a Supreme Court ruling on spousal visas, arguing that the decision will have dire consequences for same-sex couples. The ruling limits same-sex couples' ability to have their spouses live in the US and may force them to relocate to countries that do not recognize their marriages.
**Paragraph 1:** In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that American citizens have the right to marry foreign nationals, but those spouses do not automatically have the right to live in the United States. This ruling stems from the case of Sandra Muñoz, an American citizen married to a citizen of El Salvador who was denied an immigrant visa due to alleged gang affiliations.
**Paragraph 2:** Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, stated that Congress sets the terms for entry into the US, and the Department of State implements those requirements. She was joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Chief Justice John Roberts.
Supreme Court Ruling on Spousal Visas Raises Concerns for Same-Sex Couples
**Paragraph 3:** However, Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly disagreed with the majority's opinion. In her dissent, she argued that the ruling subordinates the fate of US couples to the immigration laws of other countries, a burden that will disproportionately affect same-sex couples.
**Paragraph 4:** Sotomayor pointed out that the US does not have an equal marriage treaty with El Salvador, meaning same-sex marriages are not recognized in that country. Same-sex couples may therefore be forced to relocate to countries that do not recognize their marriages or even criminalize homosexuality.
Supreme Court Ruling on Spousal Visas Raises Concerns for Same-Sex Couples
**Paragraph 5:** Sotomayor also criticized the State Department's assessment of Muñoz's husband's tattoos, which were cited as evidence of gang affiliation. She argued that some of the images represent symbols of Latinx identity and do not necessarily indicate gang involvement.
**Paragraph 6:** The Supreme Court's ruling has sparked concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates and legal experts. They argue that it will have a chilling effect on same-sex couples' ability to build and maintain families.
Supreme Court Ruling on Spousal Visas Raises Concerns for Same-Sex Couples
**Paragraph 7:** Human Rights Campaign, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, condemned the ruling as "cruel and discriminatory." They stressed that same-sex couples should have the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples, including the ability to live together in the US.
**Paragraph 8:** The ruling has also raised questions about the Supreme Court's commitment to equal rights for all Americans. Justice Sotomayor's dissent highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and protection under the law.
Supreme Court Ruling on Spousal Visas Raises Concerns for Same-Sex Couples
**Paragraph 9:** The Supreme Court's decision will have long-lasting consequences for same-sex couples and their families. It remains to be seen how the ruling will be implemented and what implications it may have for future LGBTQ+ legal cases.
**Paragraph 10:** LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on Congress to pass legislation that would protect same-sex couples from discrimination in immigration matters. They argue that this is necessary to ensure that all Americans have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
