For the nearly a decade that NotFroofy has been in this country, the federal government has declined to recognize the possibility that she and I might get married. We've been disadvantaged by this on everything from immigration rights to in-state tuition.
My son is just finishing up getting his security clearance, and he tells me today that he needs a copy of NotFroofy's green card faxed to the relevant authorities. I ask him why he needs this, since it was not requested the last time he got a security clearance. He responds, "Oh, but you weren't married then."
So let me get this straight: Any time being married could possibly benefit us, the federal government will not recognize our marriage. However, when our being married creates extra nuisance requirements, it is recognized?