Oregon Public Broadcasting

A Portland attorney has won his long battle against the so-called "widow penalty."

A new law is on its way to the President's desk.  It would end deportations of newlywed immigrants whose American spouse has died.  Correspondent Tom Banse reports.

A provision added to the 2010 Homeland Security budget bill provides a new chance to certain immigrant widows whose American spouse died before they've received their green card.

President Obama is expected to sign the measure in the coming days.

Portland attorney Brent Renison says the change affects several hundred widowed immigrants nationwide.  Renison has championed their cause for more than five years.

Brent Renison: "This is a complete change in the law that will affect people for many years. It feels much better than a litigation victory."

The law creates a two-year window for deported widows and widowers to reapply for a green card.

One case Renison will restart is that of Canadian Rose-Marie Quinn. The longtime Portland restaurateur lost her American husband to cancer shortly after they were married.  She was deported in 2005.

Online:

Love Endures, But Green Cards in Doubt for Immigrant Widows

Surviving Spouses Against Deportation