The government says it will begin extending immigration benefits to gay married couples in light of the Supreme Court's decision striking down key portions of a federal gay marriage law.

That means that U.S. citizens or permanent residents with foreign spouses would be able to sponsor their partners for U.S. residency, like straight married Americans can.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano pledged in a statement to ensure that all married couples are treated equally and fairly in the administration of immigration laws.

The issue emerged as a point of contention in the debate over sweeping immigration legislation now before the Senate, but the Supreme Court's decision removes pressure on senators to address the matter in the immigration bill.