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Thanks for the feedback. We skype a lot... it helps sometimes - our life is so much different when we are face to face with each other and it helps of course to remind myself of the synergy we have in person.

So what sort of stress has the long wait put on your relationships and how did you pull through?

I know there have been moments of extreme hardship for us - but we manage to pull through... sometimes all it takes is looking each other in the eyes via Skype for a moment and remembering the moment we first touched one another to remind ourselves how worth it it all is.

Keno and I are a gay couple that are waiting for DOMA to get repealed so that we can file for our K-1 visa.

I don't believe this to be correct. The states do not issue any visas (including K-1). USCIS is an arm of the DHS, which itself is a department of the federal government. The only current bar to allowing same-sex couples federal recognition and benefits is §3 of DOMA which currently states that marriage as defined federally is limited to one man and one woman. Once DOMA is struck down, same-sex spouses or fiancés will be recognised in the same way opposite-sex spouses and fiancés are right now, allowing them to receive the same federal benefits including immigration. No legislation actually needs to be passed to allow the federal recognition of same-sex relationships. Presumably, as long as the petitioner is resident of a state that performs federally recognised same-sex marriages, they will be treated equally for immigration.

The hazy area is §2 of DOMA which allows states without marriage equality to not recognise same-sex marriages performed in states with marriage equality. I'm not sure if this will limit immigration rights only to marriage equality states, but it will be interesting to see. Of course there is also the slim chance that SCOTUS could issue a nationwide ruling on the Prop 8 case, which would bring marriage equality to every state.

Actually article 3 is the issue at hand that prohibits federal recognition of my state's right to marry. Windsor v. United States is the case will cause Article 3 to be ruled unconstitutional.

I just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone for your outpouring of support. It is incredible to Keno and I and we are truly humbled by your words of love and support. Thank you for all the advice and well-wishes and we will, in fact, keep you all up to date. Keno did pick up some pictures today - if his appearance changes dramatically, we'll update them - but if he stays pretty much the same as he has for the last year and a half, I don't necessarily see the need =P

For the record Canadian's are not required to complete a CFO seminar

I was referring to when a Canadian sponsors a same-sex partner from the Philippines and the Filipino has to attend the CFO seminar.

Good luck with your journey also is Iowa legalized same sex marriage? It might be matter in your filing since you have to marry your partner within 90 days.

Yes, Iowa has legalized Same-sex marriage.

I am curious, what are you planning on doing about the CFO? From what I understand you have to provide a significant amount of information about your fiance/spouse to the CFO in order to be allowed to leave the Philippines. Do you anticipate your partner being denied the ability to exit the Philippines by the CFO? Personally I would think your major hurdle is less the US visa and more the government of the Philippines refusing to allow your partner to leave the country.

It hasn't been a problem for Canadian same-sex couples.

My brother is gay. I understand your concerns.I wish you the best!

Thank you and I appreciate that - please send our best to him and let him know that I'm not done fighting for gay rights till we all are treated equally - immigration is just a step in the right direction, one of many.

is your fiance interviewing in the Philippines?

I wish you all the best

Yes, any tips? What will it be like once the US finally allows gays to petition? I know the Phil isn't very pro-gay, but it's a US embassy - do you predict many issues?

That's my hope - is to help others by detailing out our progress - do you think we should wait to get the pictures then till like February? I'm more concerned because it takes a month for us to send and receive mail between each other.