Anthony John Makk, Bradford Wells, Gay Binational Couple, Win DOMA Visa Fight

Categories: Immigration, LGBT
anthonymakk-thumb-300x240.jpg
Anthony John Makk pictured left
Anthony John Makk -- the gay Australian national who has been fighting separation from his San Francisco spouse after his marriage visa petition was denied, won't be deported after all.

The news came today when Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi told Makk and his partner of 19 years, Bradford Wells, that they could stay together here for at least another two years. Makk's visa had expired on Aug. 25, but he has been fighting immigration officials to stay in the country where he is the husband and primary caretaker of Wells, who suffers from AIDS.

SF Weekly
called Makk and Wells today, but the excited couple was prepping for a photo shoot with reporters and promised to speak with us later. We will update you when we hear back.

The Chron is reporting that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a letter to Makk today saying he has been granted "deferred action" on his case for two years, an exercise of prosecutorial discretion that allows the agency not to pursue deportation for a specific period.

According to news reports, Makk met certain conditions that allowed immigration officials to prioritize deportation cases, including family ties, status as a primary caregiver, lack of criminal record, and his long period of legal residence under a series of visas that eventually expired.

Follow us on Twitter at @SFWeekly and @TheSnitchSF  

My Voice Nation Help
0 comments

Now Trending

From the Vault

 

©2013 SF Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places San Francisco / Bay Area

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city