I’m not saying exempt, But some common sense leniency. In fact if he married her after he was in the corps he HAD TO GET PERMISSION FROM HIS COMMAND TO MARRY HER.
Yeah..., I am certain his CO knew of the immigration status of his prospective bride! By yourself a clue...
What if her husband was a police officer, or a fire fighter, should she be exempted? What if her husband was an er doctor, should we be expected overlook her crime? And what do you tell the plumber when his wife is being deported, and there’s no outcry that she should be exempted because she is a plumber‘s wife? And I would ad, our media is so untrustworthy, I don’t even accept this story without independent confirmation.
That requirement went away back in the 70s. I got married in 1977 while in the Marine Corps and I didn't need any permission.