Do I have to stay?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Do I have to stay?
3
Sun, 10-03-2004 - 1:49pm
I am a permanent resident of the U.S. and I have decided to leave my DH because of the abuse physical and mental that he shows to me. My problem is that my renewal for my green card is coming up shortly,if I leave him will this affect my green card being renewed?

I work full-time and will be able to take care of myself and my children without any state or help from him,,,if this helps out at all.

What are my options??? Do I have to stay until my card is renewed, or can I get out now?

Thank you,

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 10-03-2004 - 7:59pm

Hi gettingout...welcome to you.

When someone shows you who they are, believe them.

- Maya Angelou

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 7:57pm
Hugs gettingout! Sweetdreams gave you a great place to look and I'd like to add a thought to it. I once helped a lady from Canada, who's husband held her in his abuse by threatening to call INS on her because she was here, what she thought, illegally and if they broke up he had her believing she'd be arrested.

She called a larger shelter system near her and they helped her get the proper info, which was what he had been telling her was all a lie.

So in addition to sweetdreams link, also try your local shelter and explain to them what you said here and that it is an abuse situation. They should be able to help or if not, get a referral to a larger shelter system near you. If you cannot find one, call the National Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, tell that you are seeking a local shelter and they should be able to help you find one.

Good luck in this and try to keep a calm mind through this. If we get too stressed we sometimes miss the help that is so close to us.

Hugs and keep posting and asking here as someone may have even more ideas.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-05-2004
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 2:57pm
Has he been abusive? Contact your local domestic violence shelter; many of them have attorneys on retainer or have funds to help pay for attorneys. Your local shelter may be able to assist you in getting an attorney to handle you divorce/documentation needs. NOTHING should supercede leaving an abusive relationship. NOTHING.