The real story is in the 400+ comments.
Yes, their big “crime” in the eyes of the State was being white law-abiding British-born citizens.
But life is unfair and the State is evil. Don’t whine about how evil it is while begging it for money.
PS: marriage is (among other things) a business arrangement. Marrying a “partner” with no “assets” may be romantic, but the practical, financial outcome is predictable.