Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's intervention has saved one married gay couple from being deported.
Bradford Wells and Anthony John Makk are a bi-national, married gay couple who have lived in San Francisco's Castro District for the better part of 19 years.
Makk is an Australian citizen who was facing deportation after the couple was denied spousal immigration benefits under the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which blocks federal benefits to same-sex couples.
Wednesday the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services sent the couple a letter that they have been granted a two year deferred action on deportation.
Pelosi, who represents San Francisco, personally intervened on behalf of the couple to ensure that Makk could stay in the country.
"The positive resolution of Anthony’s immigration petition is a personal victory for Bradford and Anthony, and keeps this loving couple together," Pelosi said in a statement.
Pelosi told the couple about the ruling herself Wednesday.
