IMMIGRATION LAW CLASS.

Recall Akinbola, the Nigerian citizen, Asylum and Other Related Humanitarian Relief, who wishes to apply for asylum based on his sexual orientation. Assume that he is granted status in September 2012 and one year later applies for LPR status, which is granted as of April 2014. Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court declares same sex marriage legal in all 50 states, Akinbola and his U.S. citizen partner, Eric, who have been together for five years now, decide to get married on August 1, 2015.

Which is the earliest year that Akinbola will qualify to apply to become a U.S. citizen? Would your answer be the same if they had not married?