Federal marriage law may force deportation of many immigrant gay spouses

Kelly Costello and Fabiola Morales had a storybook wedding in the summer of 2011, with 12 bridesmaids and matching white gowns. Their fathers gave them away at a Unitarian ceremony in the District, and both extended families were on hand for dancing and champagne afterwards. But because of a law that denies federal rights and benefits to gay spouses, the Potomac couple could soon be forced to live 4,000 miles apart. Morales, a registered nurse with two U.S. academic degrees, is a native of Peru. If she were a man, Costello could automatically sponsor her for a green card. But because they are both women, Morales could become deportable as soon as her student visa expires next year. “We love each other. We want to share our lives and raise a family and be happy like everyone else,” said Morales, 39, who came to the United States six years ago and has since been hopping between work and student visas. “Our families are very supportive. We are good people and we have worked hard to make a contribution. We deserve equality.”