On August 2, 2013, Secretary of State John Kerry announced> that the U.S. Department of State would treat the visa applications of same-sex spouses in the same manner as those of opposite-sex spouses, ushering in an immediate policy change that reflects the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision to strike down part of the Defense of Marriage Act. The new stance, which applies equally to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, provides formal guidance to U.S. embassies and consulates around the world and concludes the agency’s internal review of policies that were in conflict with the Court’s ruling. Prior to Secretary Kerry’s announcement, U.S. posts around the world directed same-sex visa applicants to wait for the agency’s determination before submitting their applications for processing.