Love and Marriage, Followed by Threats of Deportation

A Facebook message marked the beginning of their interaction: "Hey, how are you?" It was a casual flirt.

Having recently relocated from Bangladesh on a student visa in pursuit of her master's degree in IT in 2022, she initially wasn't keen on starting a relationship.

She liked his message, and soon afterward, he sent another one: "Hey, I have tickets to a show on Broadway." Intrigued, she accepted; she never envisioned attending a Broadway show before.

Their first encounter led to romance, and in no time, they were wed. On February 14, 2024, they queued at the Manhattan courthouse to say 'I do.'

Recollecting her attire she recounted, "I had a simple white dress on with matching shoes, a tiara, and flowers in hand. Smiling at him filled me with joy."

Following their wedding, her husband initiated the process for a green card on her behalf. She received a temporary one and moved into his family's residence in Brooklyn.

For a moment, their future appeared promising.

Surge in Deportation Threats

However, just over a year later, the woman, aged 31, is estranged from her partner after accusing him of mistreatment, now living in constant fear of deportation.

As the number of immigration enforcement actions rise in the U.S., communities find themselves on edge as families and acquaintances face deportation.

Experts identify domestic abuse survivors as especially at risk. Crystal Justice from the National Domestic Violence Hotline highlighted how some abusers exploit the threat of deporting a partner or family member, or withhold important documents to restrict their freedom.

Many immigrants, residing in the U.S. on visas backed by citizens or as undocumented individuals, face minimal safeguards. Often, as relationships sour and reports of abuse emerge, vindictive partners leverage the immigrant’s uncertain status to threaten deportation.

Esther Limb, who directs the immigration practice at Her Justice, stated that exploitation of immigration status by abusive partners is widespread and threatening deportation is a powerful tool abusers use.

Delays and Unseen Mandates

Limb, representing many clients including the central figure of this story, assists them in petitioning to remain in the U.S. after domestic abuse claims. The examination of these petitions often spans several years due to slow processing.

Abuse victims can apply for residency under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). However, approvals often take upwards of three years, affecting close family of citizens or permanent residents who may apply secretly.

Records from 2024 show nearly 36,000 VAWA petitions submitted, reflecting a 350% surge since 2014. Tens of thousands await processing each year.

Undocumented individuals may also seek a nonimmigrant visa known as the U visa, if they've fallen prey to certain crimes, such as domestic violence. However, the wait often exceeds eight years, owing to the overwhelming backlog.

Persistent Fear Among Immigrants

Hopeful petitioners, like the woman from the CBS News story, live in constant fear while awaiting case results. She shared her hardships, feeling terrified at work and haunted by stress.

Following bouts of verbal and physical abuse, she called off her marriage. Police visited their home, and a hospital's insistence led her to file a police report after medical examination.

"I couldn't return," she confided. "I was lost on how to proceed."

Her sister, who had migrated to the U.S. earlier, reassured her during a visit from Connecticut, advising against returning to her husband. Afterward, she severed all ties with him and his family.

Then came the threats.

At Her Justice in New York, CBS News examined text messages in which her husband or his family purportedly threaten to contact ICE to have her deported. Her attorney confirmed she filed a VAWA petition.

"You are my spouse under the law," stated one message. "I am the petitioner for your residency. You're lawfully required to stay. I cautioned you," it continued.

Text messages directed at her sister warned of impending immigration enforcement, asserting ICE might appear unannounced.

According to Limb, the weaponization of immigration statuses fosters psychological manipulation, intensifying fears of deportation or family separation.

"Deportation and separation scare our clients profoundly," Limb cautioned. "There exists a pervasive, palpable fear."