I've been married for 1 year (8/22/08). I had a petition through my father on January 14, 1998. This made my "work permit" possible. We are mexico and my father never became a citizen even after being legal for 30+ years. He was an alcoholic, I should also say, that he was abusive (mentally, physically and sexually) to the 3 oldest of us 7 kids. I was raised in the US since I was three years of age, unfortunately my mother took us to Mexico :( from 1985-1987 therefore; making us ineligible for the Amnesty Act of 1985. My question is: "Since I've only been married for a year", How long do I have to be married in order to "earn" my permanent status or obtain my 10 year resident card. We dated for over 8 years and all of the sudden he became so verbal abusive, I don't know how long I can stand it! I am so stressed out and at this point I just feel it's taking the best of me. I met him in 1999 and he knew I had 3 kids (ages 17,15 and 11) he is divorce and has 4 kids (14, 12&12, 6); now this is the main problem in our relationship my children, well on his part. I married him because I love him, but I love my children more! I don't know what to do? I guess I should stop worrying about being "documented" and worry about my children. But, if I'm worried about my children, I need to worry about what I will feed them, how I will clothe them, in addition to having a roof over their heads. I do not want to be on AFDC! I want to be productive, I want to go to school and be "someone". I did not choose to come here and break the law, I knew no different! Please help with some advice, I don't know what else to do or where to go.

If you obtain permanent status through marriage with US citizen, after you receive 2 years conditional green card, you must jointly file a removal of condition at the end of 2 years. If you get divorce before 2 years, your status will automatically be terminated unless you have sufficient proofs to submit to USCIS that you are victim of domestic abuse.

You should consult experienced immigration attorney in order to start collecting evidence needed either to file jointly or to file separately as victim of domestic abuse, if this applies to you.