Brazilian Man Facing Deportation, Despite Legal Gay Marriage

Here’s the thing, you’re eligible to begin the process to become a U.S. citizen (under most circumstances) if you marry an American citizen. In Massachusetts, Brazilian native Genesio Oliveira, 31, did just that — except he married Tim Coco — a marriage that is legal and recognized in that state.

Only problem is, the federal government doesn’t recognize this marriage (where’s the states’ rights outcry on that one?), so Oliveira — who was raped as a teenager in Brazil and fled to the U.S. for asylum to escape persecution as a gay man in his country — has been denied asylum and may be sent home.

Much more about this story at the link.