1. When the Morton memo was issued, supporters of same-sex couples sought explicit assurances from DHS and the White House that the foreign-born partner of a U.S. citizen would be granted prosecutorial discretion. Administration officials had stated that being in a same-sex relationship would be considered in the context of the "community contributions" and "family relationships" factors in the Morton memo. But activists and Democratic lawmakers sought additional assurances that bi-national same-sex couples would not be left out. Chris Johnson, Lawmakers Seek Added Protections for Bi-national Gay Couple;Ibid;WashingtonBlade.com,2011
2. In an effort to make clear the definition of the phrase 'family relationships,' I have directed ICE to disseminate written guidance to the field that the interpretation of the phrase 'family relationships' includes long-term, same-sex partners;Finally;NBC News.com,2012