Breaking Free: Protecting Your Green Card in an Abusive Marriage

If you're in a marriage with a U.S. citizen and your spouse is abusive and threatening to revoke your green card, it can be a frightening and overwhelming situation. But know that you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future.

First, it's important to understand that your green card cannot be revoked simply because your spouse wants it to be. Your green card is a benefit granted to you by the United States government, and it can only be revoked in certain circumstances, such as if you engage in illegal activities, you abandoned your residency in the US or if it is determined that you obtained it through fraud.

If your spouse is abusive towards you, it's important to reach out for help as soon as possible. Domestic violence is a serious crime and there are resources available to help you escape the abuse and protect yourself. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for information and support, and you may also want to consider obtaining a restraining order.

If your spouse is threatening to call immigration authorities and have your green card revoked, it's important to understand that this is not a valid threat. No one, including your spouse, has the power to revoke your green card unilaterally.

It's also important to remember that you have the right to divorce your spouse, even if they are a U.S. citizen. If you choose to do so, you may be eligible to apply for a green card on your own, without your spouse's sponsorship. This is known as a self-petition and can be done through a process called VAWA (the Violence Against Women Act). VAWA protects men and children as well as women.

In conclusion, if you're in an abusive marriage with a U.S. citizen and your spouse is threatening to revoke your green card, don't panic. Reach out for help, protect yourself from further abuse, and know that you have options for a safer and brighter future.