Binational Lesbian Couple Waits to Learn Their Fate

A lesbian couple in Denver is waiting to learn about the next step in their life together, as the end of a federal immigration program may put their relationship in jeopardy.

Earlier this year, American citizen Violeta Pando, and her Mexican-born wife, Sujey Pando, were granted more time together, after the Obama Administration instituted a rule designating deportation cases for binational couples as low priority, therefore postponing possible deportations. According to the Denver Post, an additional six-week program by the Department of Homeland Security reviewed the cases of undocumented immigrants who pose no security threat, and had strong family ties in the U.S.

The Pandos, who married in Iowa two years ago were covered under that program, but the six-week period is now over, causing the couple to worry about their future.

"We're very, very nervous," Violeta told Westword Denver."We don't know what to think."

Despite being legally married in Iowa, the federal government does not recognize the unions of same-sex partners because of the Defense of Marriage Act.