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GIFTS · Nov 20, 2009, 11:35 PM

Im a South African female (44yrs) and arrived in New Jersey in April 2007 as a K1 Fiancée and married a US Citizen in April 2007. He has abused me physically and mentally. I landed up in hospital and a YWCA shelter in Dec to Jan 2008. I withdrew the restraining order and have moved back to his house (he is a Pastor) as I have no green card/permanent resident/employment. Im totally dependent and controlled by him. I need your help Please with divorce. Thank you in advance for your reply.

tickle · Nov 21, 2009, 07:11 AM

Why, for heavens sake, did you move back in with him if you were already in a quite satisfactory YWCA shelter. They have counsellors there that could have helped you with your predicament. You will need money for a divorce, gifts, before proceeding with anything else. I would suggest you quickly move out of his house and back into the shelter as a first good step in the right direction.

Tick

JudyKayTee · Nov 21, 2009, 10:11 AM

You need to see a divorce Attorney who is familiar with Immigration Law.

Moving back into the house following alleged abuse may very well cause any grounds for abuse or cruel and inhuman treatment to be disallowed.

You need an Attorney.

Why the dramatic title to this post? ("Give me freedom or give me death")

lawanwadee · Nov 21, 2009, 03:43 PM

In fact, if you have evidence that you've become victim of domestic violence, you can file a petition for green card under VAWA... you don't need to go back to him.

At this point, there are 2 issues, divorce and green card. I need more info... if the story is too personal, you can email me.

tickle · Nov 21, 2009, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by lawanwadee

In fact, if you have evidence that you've become victim of domestic violence, you can file a petition for greencard under VAWA.... you don't need to go back to him.

At this point, there are 2 issues, divorce and greencard. I need more info............. if the story is too personal, you can email me.

I find that disturbing, that it is that easy to get a green card for someone who has been an immigrant, marrying a citizen, being abused, and wanting out of the marriage and possibly being able to stay in the U.S.

The title of the OP's post is rather dramatic: Give me freedom or give me death. Strange way to get information.

Tick

lawanwadee · Nov 21, 2009, 04:39 PM

It's doable but not that easy. Do some research on domestic abuse in US and you will understand. Most of the victims has various symptoms of depression. I have seen American husbands treated their foreign wives like slaves and sometimes worse...

JudyKayTee · Nov 21, 2009, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by tickle

I find that disturbing, that it is that easy to get a green card for someone who has been an immigrant, marrying a citizen, being abused, and wanting out of the marriage and possibly being able to stay in the U.S.

The title of the OP's post is rather dramatic: Give me freedom or give me death. Strange way to get information.

tick

My comment, exactly. A little on the dramatic side. How about "Give me freedom or deport me?"

Fr_Chuck · Nov 21, 2009, 06:20 PM

Move back to the shelter and let them guide you though divorce

tickle · Nov 22, 2009, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

Move back to the shelter and let them guide you though divorce

I am reading between the lines here, but I am thinking the lady OP didn't care for the sparce accommodations at the YWCA so decided to go back to more comfortable arrangements. Counsellors are excellent at the Y. They can advise and counsel quite well, explaining all options if there is no money available.

Tick