Left husband due to DV - immigration application still with USCIS

[mango54]

Hello -

I got married to my husband and became his sponsor on his immigration application, which was submitted last month. The marriage has gone sour very quickly due to domestic violence and I've left. Currently, the immigration application is with USCIS and is in the beginning stages of being processed.

While the marriage was bona fide, I am worried that my husband will seek revenge because I have left him and accuse me of committing fraud with immigration, saying I married him to help him get documents. He is full of threats and I'm not clear on what is possible and if he can even get me in trouble with immigration. I certainly wish I could have helped him in this situation and that our marriage could have worked out, but it isn't due to the DV. How can I protect myself in this situation from accusation of fraud?

I do intend to file a divorce, but it has not happened yet.

Thank you for your thoughts!

[boogiewoogie]

I'm not sure how he can use this against you. I would probably file for divorce soon and inform USCIS about the divorce.

[Randomdude]

If you've suffered battery or other physical abuse from that person I hope you called the police. This will be very important because you can later on qualify for a U visa or VAWA. From what it sounds like the case may end up being denied because you'll be divorced but if you've got a police report you can have another shot at it with other options. Empty threat or not never get held hostage in a violent relationship with anyone.

[ember]

Document!

Hello -

I got married to my husband and became his sponsor on his immigration application, which was submitted last month. The marriage has gone sour very quickly due to domestic violence and I've left. Currently, the immigration application is with USCIS and is in the beginning stages of being processed.

While the marriage was bona fide, I am worried that my husband will seek revenge because I have left him and accuse me of committing fraud with immigration, saying I married him to help him get documents. He is full of threats and I'm not clear on what is possible and if he can even get me in trouble with immigration. I certainly wish I could have helped him in this situation and that our marriage could have worked out, but it isn't due to the DV. How can I protect myself in this situation from accusation of fraud?

I do intend to file a divorce, but it has not happened yet.

Thank you for your thoughts!

You are USC, right?

IMO you should document his threats. Going to the police will help, and you can explain the content of his threats to them, as well.

If you were his sponsor & he cries immigration fraud, he will be cutting off his nose to spite his face, so to speak. He would necessarily be admitting that he participated in the fraud as well, and then what are his options?
What evidence, if any at all, would he have to show fraud?

You can start collecting evidence that the marriage was bona fide, but honestly I don't think you have to be too worried.