What if we are threatened with our green card and getting abused to change religion? 15 Answers as of February 02, 2012
I'm 20 years old. My sister and I came here on November 26, 2010. Our step dad sponsored us. He is Muslim while we are Hindu. We only have temporary green card. Now he is threatening us, saying he is gonna cancel our green card if we do not change our religion. Our mother is on his side. In my home, they are treating us like a slave. They are abusing us physically and mentally. My mom hit us every day. They don't even let us use phone and my mom threw urine at us. I even tried to call police but my mom threatened us saying they will cancel our green card. I don't know how to handle this situation. Please help us.Free Case Evaluation by a Local Lawyer!
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Free Case Evaluation by a Local Lawyer: Click hereLaw Offices of Kiran Nair | Kiran K. Nair
If you are being abused by step or biological parent then you don't need your father's petition. You should call the police to ensure your safety; make a police report regarding the abuse both, emotional and physical; and seek shelter. There are many shelters; and if you prefer dealing with Indians, then there is a shelter for South Asians called SAHARA in Artesia, CA. Their information should be available online. Thereafter, the shelter may have an immigration attorney to help you file for VAWA and/or U Visa whereby you should maintain legal status in the U.S. Good luck.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 2/2/2012
Oltarsh and Associates, PC | Jennifer Oltarsh
What a terrible situation. You do not have to take abuse and the law has a means for you to keep your residence if you were abused. Keep a record of everything they do and if you feel in danger, call the police. There may be shelters if there is no place for you to go.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 2/1/2012
Feldman Feldman & Associates, PC | Lynne Feldman
You do have rights if you are abused; I would suggest a consultation to review the specifics of your case and discuss your options. You do not need to remain in an abusive situation. If necessary you can self-petition to remove conditions on the 2 year card but there are specific requirements. We do charge for consultations but these fees will be credited toward the fees for your case if you decide to retain us thereafter.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 2/1/2012
Law Offices of Grinberg and Segal | Alexander Segal
You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. You may be eligible to keep your green card if you are abused by your parent and step-parent. This will allow you to seek status independently from your stepfather's petition.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 2/1/2012
Pacifica Legal Services | Floyd Fernandez
This behavior by your stepfather and mother is outrageous. They may be buying themselves a deportation. You have options. It's called VAWA, and you can use it, and you need help.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 2/1/2012
Ayodele M. Ojo & Associates | Ayodele Mayowa Ojo
You may be able to obtain and or retain your Green Card, by other category of petition. Check immigration website, and look at Form I-360.? The evidence of your abuse must be documented
Answer Applies to: Minnesota
Replied: 2/1/2012
Law Offices of Svetlana Boukhny | Svetlana Boukhny
Contact the police and let them know the situation.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner, A PC | Brian David Lerner
It is unclear if you have a conditional green card. If the expiration date is 2 years from when you received it, you can file the VAWA Petition for battered children. If not, then it is permanent and they can't take it from you.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
Law Office of Eric Fisher | Eric Fisher
There is no such thing as a temporary green card. If you have Lawful Permanent Resident status through your step-father, he cannot take it away from you. If your status is not permanent, you may qualify for permanent status based upon VAWA. I recommend you speak with an immigration attorney.
Answer Applies to: Colorado
Replied: 1/31/2012
Law Office of Christine Troy | Christine Troy
If you have a green card, your parents cannot take it away from you. I recommend that you have an initial consult with a competent immigration attorney in your city so you can have your case fully analyzed and also can then have someone explain what your rights are under the law. You can check with the local chapter of the state bar for a pro bono or low fee panel, if you cannot afford a consult.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
Bus & Nanthaveth, PLLC | Rachel Irene Bus
My heart goes out to you in your situation. I think that your first priority should be to get to a safe place, such as a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Depending on where you are in Texas there should be at least one in your community that you can contact. They can give you advice on how to make an escape plan and receive assistance. Secondly, don't worry about having your green card cancelled. If your step father no longer wants to sponsor you when it's time to have your conditions removed from your temporary green card, you can do that by yourself. Or, you can apply for permanent residence on your own under a provision called VAWA. Be sure to keep any documents that are evidence of the abuse that you have suffered. I wish you the best.
Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 1/31/2012
Baughman & Wang | Justin X. Wang
They cannot"cancel" your green card. ?If your mother receives I-751 approval, you should receive it too. However, if your mother does not list you on the application, you may have to file it yourself. From what you described, you have a solid case for abuse and even religious?persecution. Contact an immigration lawyer to help you.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
Marie Michaud Attorney At Law | Marie Michaud
I can see a few options. Once it is time to file for the removal of the condition (form I-751), select the option "I am a child and can not file with my parent" I believe this is the second box at the top. You must explain what is going on..that your step dad wants you to change your religion, explain the whole situation in a statement. You could also filed a self petition under VAWA as an abused child. This is a very generous benefits, but the paperwork is quite intense. You should have an attorney experienced with this type of paperwork to help you out. (I actually would love to handle your case!). VAWA involves proving that your step dad is either a green card holder or a US citizen, that he is married to your mom and both your mom and your step dad lives together, that you are a good person (no criminal history), and that you are abused (Threatening with immigration benefits unless your convert to a religion you do not agree with, that your mother is also abusing you and is siding with him). Both petitions could be filed at the Vermont service Center, (no matter your locations) with a fee waiver request. Be very quiet about your intention. You should have an alternative address, such as a mail box or use the attorney's address. Both process are confidential, meaning that your step dad doesn't have to know about you filing these types of petitions (VAWA and I-751). He might learn if you tell him or leaves paper around the house. Good luck.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
Law Offices Of Steve Paek | Steve S Paek
Depending upon the type of temporary green card that you have, they may not have the right to cancel the green card. You may be able to seek residency as someone who is being abused. In your case, it does seem like there is substantial abuse. I would recommend that you consult with an attorney to determine the specifics of your case.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
Fong & Associates | William D. Fong
They cannot "cancel" your green card.
Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 1/31/2012















