Love Turned to Fear: U.S. Citizen’s Spouse Faces Deportation After Reporting Abuse

A message from Facebook caught her eye: “Hey, how are you?” She had just arrived in the U.S. from Bangladesh to pursue a master’s degree in information technology. Relationships weren’t on her mind. But the conversation piqued her interest. A few days later, another message came: “I have tickets to a Broadway show.” Intrigued, she accepted the invitation. What started as a casual outing blossomed into love and, soon after, marriage. On February 14, 2024, they tied the knot at the New York City courthouse. “I wore a simple white dress and felt so happy,” she recalled.

Shortly after their marriage, her husband filed for her green card. She received a temporary one and moved into his family’s home in Brooklyn. Hope filled their future.

But a year later, everything changed. The 31-year-old woman, requesting anonymity for safety, left her husband due to alleged abuse. Now, she faces the terrifying prospect of deportation.

Rising Fear of Deportation

As immigration enforcement intensifies across the U.S. — including significant operations in cities like Los Angeles — communities watch in fear as families are separated. Experts highlight that victims of domestic violence are especially vulnerable. Crystal Justice from the National Domestic Violence Hotline expresses concern, noting that abusive partners often threaten deportation or withhold important legal documents to control their victims.

Many immigrants are on visas that depend on their U.S. citizen partners, making them particularly at risk. Esther Limb, from Her Justice, reports an uptick in deportation threats from abusers. “These threats echo the broader anti-immigrant sentiment and give abusers even more power,” she explained.

Backlogs and Uncertainty

Limb works with many clients who file petitions to remain in the U.S. after experiencing abuse. Unfortunately, these petitions can take years to process due to significant backlogs. Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), applicants can seek legal status even without their abuser’s knowledge, but the wait can exceed 36 months. In 2024 alone, there were nearly 36,000 VAWA petitions filed, reflecting a staggering 350% increase over the past decade.

Victims can also apply for a U-visa if they were victims of specific crimes, including domestic violence. These applications can take more than eight years to process, with over 238,000 cases currently pending.

Living in Fear

As they wait, many immigrants live in constant anxiety. The woman from the Broadway story now finds herself on edge, struggling with the aftermath of her marriage. She left her husband after enduring both verbal and physical abuse, yet the threats haven’t stopped. After cutting ties with him, he started sending her messages, threatening to contact immigration authorities.

One chilling message claimed, “You cannot just leave. I am your responsibility.” She told her sister about her struggles, and with her support, she gained the courage to cut ties completely. But the fear of deportation hangs over her like a dark cloud.

Limb warns that the current political climate only amplifies this fear. Victims face a double threat: the abusive relationship and the risk of deportation. She emphasizes, “People are very, very scared.” This fear isn’t unfounded; social media buzzing with stories highlights the anguish faced by those in similar situations.

For those seeking help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support at 1-800-799-7233 or via text at 88788. No one should have to navigate this alone.

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Immigration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Domestic Violence