Ever get annoyed when you return to the U.S. from abroad with your same-sex sweetie and kids and have to fill out two customs forms because your family relationship wasn’t recognized? As of January, that will be no more. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that it is expanding its definition of family to include same-sex couples and their children, even if the couple is not legally married or if the parent is not related by blood or adoption to the children.
The agency submitted a Final Rule to the Federal Register, effective January 17, 2014, that will broaden the definition of “members of a family residing in one household” and allow returning U.S. citizens, residents and international visitors to file a joint customs declaration for items acquired abroad. It explains:
“Domestic relationship” would be defined to include foster children, stepchildren, half-siblings, legal wards, other dependents, and individuals with an in loco parentis or guardianship relationship.
Also included within the definition two adults who are in a committed relationship including, but not limited to, long-term companions and couples in civil unions or domestic partnerships where the partners share financial assets and obligations, and are not married to, or a partner of, anyone else.
“Members of a family residing in one household” will continue to encompass relationships of blood, adoption, and marriage.
Not only that, but because the new rule “will create less paperwork for people who are traveling together as a family and will result in increased efficiency for CBP by streamlining passenger processing,” it will save the agency $2.8 million per year in personnel time. LGBT equality benefits more than just LGBT people. Cool, huh?