What Should This Woman Do?

[waverlywoodsgeo]

My wife became friends with a woman while waiting in line at the US Embassy in Moscow to get her visa.  She calls her friend to check and see how things are going with her friend and her husband.

The woman says that she didn't even know that her husband was filing for a fiancee visa and only found out about it when a invite to the interview at the Embassy arrived in the mail.  My point was that this doesn't make sense since you have to have a birth certificate and passport, plus a completed 325.  But regardless, I don't think either really loved each other.  Now there are problems developing.

Her friend is having a really bad time and her friend doesn't know what to do.  The woman says that the man is beating her, tearing her clothes off, smoking marijuania and basically treating her as his slave.  He says that he will not file for a Green Card for her because he believes that as soon as she gets the Green Card that she will run away.  She has a work permit and an SSN.

What are the rules here?

She divorces him, doesn't she have to go back to Russia?

I believe she should report him to the police if he is abusing her.  They have only been married a few months, it can not get any better.

[DE]

... in response to What Should This Woman Do?, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Feb 4, 2002

First and foremost she must find shelter!  Somewhere where she can stay in safety.  Secondly, she must file a police report, however, unless she has witnesses, injuries or some evidence to prove the abuse, although I believe she can file with the INS for a status change without the spouse due to spousal abuse charges, she'll have a tough time proving that the abuse occured and therefore be subject to being denied.  That however will take quite a long time!  I'd suggest she get witnesses, file a police report, then be gone!  Also, most states spousal rape is RAPE and the husband will be prosecuted just like any other rapist!  But she must call the police when it occurs, go to the hospital and be examined, yada, yada, yada.  She should start keeping a diary of the abusive behaviors and tell everyone she knows what is happening (although that's hearsay).  Maybe that's her eveidence of abuse?

[thesearch]

... in response to Re: What Should This Woman Do?, posted by DE on Feb 4, 2002

ASD

[Scaught]

... in response to What Should This Woman Do?, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Feb 4, 2002

n/t

[Patrick]

... in response to What Should This Woman Do?, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Feb 4, 2002

If she's being abused, she doesn't have to stay with the guy to remain in the country.  She can stay here even if she separates and divorces him as long as she can prove to a judge's satisfaction that she was abused.

[rojak]

... in response to What Should This Woman Do?, posted by waverlywoodsgeo on Feb 4, 2002

She absolutely must find an attorney right away, to protect her rights. Most cities in US have atty's who specialize in immigration matters. If she finds one, he/she will protect her interests.  If she can't afford one, tell her to make the appointment anyway.