Definitions of permanent partner and permanent partnership

Section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (15)(K)(ii), by inserting or permanent partnership after marriage; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (52) The term permanent partner means an individual 18 years of age or older who— (A) is in a committed, intimate relationship with another individual 18 years of age or older in which both parties intend a lifelong commitment; (B) is financially interdependent with that other individual, unless the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State has determined, on a case-by-case basis, that the requirement under this subparagraph is unreasonable; (C) is not married to or in a permanent partnership with anyone other than that other individual; (D) is unable to contract with that other individual a marriage cognizable under this Act; and (E) is not a first-, second-, or third-degree blood relation of that other individual. (53) The term permanent partnership means the relationship that exists between two permanent partners. (54) The term alien permanent partner means the individual in a permanent partnership who is being sponsored for a visa.