(Image source: The Raw Story )

BY JOE CHIODO

A big change in policy -- the Department of Homeland Security declared in writing that same-sex ties, are family ties.  The decision will put an end to some deportation cases of foreigners in same-sex partnerships with Americans. Bay News 9 reports.

“Secretary Janet Napolitano has issued a memo stating that illegal immigrants with same-sex partners will now be eligible to have their to have their deportation put on hold. The couples will have to prove to government lawyers that they are in a long-term relationship”

The decision falls under an Obama administration policy granting certain protections in deportation.  It will, of course, depend on whether the immigrant poses a threat to American security.

Gay rights groups praised the memo as a small change with large implications …

The New York Times has Executive Director of Immigration Equality - Rachel B. Tiven’s - opinion on the matter.  She says, quote...

“This is the first time the government has recognized in writing that the relationship between a gay American and a gay immigrant is a real and positive factor in an immigration case... ”

DHS guidelines released in 2011 instructed agents to consider family relationships when determining if an immigrant is high priority for deportation.  

This past July more than 80 house Democrats called for a specific mention of same sex couples to the guidelines.  Napolitano says there will be official guidance to include the language next week.

According to NBC News , there are an estimated 36,000 binational gay couples in the U.S.