Update: Final hearing

[diadromous mermaid 36]

She was out of status as of March 15th, but continued to remain in the U.S. and work illegally until she self-petitioned under VAWA in May. She received a free divorce attorney as well as a free immigration attorney. It was actually better for her to falsely claim to be a battered spouse than it was to remain married, she received many more free benefits and services, and got work authorization and the GC way faster. VAWA is the way to go.

I didn't know someone who's marriage lasted 5 months, was out of status, therefore illegal and without a 2 year GC can adjust through VAWA. I thought VAWA can only be used to remove conditions, not to obtain the GC for the first time.

Most VAWA petitions require only that the alien demonstrate that there was abuse, and that the marriage was bonafide. (I say most because there are a couple of extenuating circumstances of abuse that do not require that the alien show the marriage was bonafide, but they clearly do not pertain in Merrillizer's case). Now, since Merrillizer withdrew his support of her initial AOS and was seeking an annulment, he was asserting that the marriage was not bonafide. However, reverting the annulment case to a simple divorce, he basically permitted her to proceed under VAWA, as long as she can effectively demonstrate abuse.

[Chris Me lil D 17]

For those wondering, I went to the final hearing yesterday with my wife from Moldova. I planned on battling, but somewhere along the line I decided to lay down my arms and do what was best for the girl that I married. I fired my attorney. I showed up yesterday Pro-Se. I showed the Judge my evidence (the marriage fraud contract signed by wife) and witness testimony to her statements about the marriage "not being real" and that I was "never her ideal husband to begin with". After showing the evidence, the Judge was extremely interested in my case, and focused all of his attention toward. After a questions, I then requested that I be allowed to withdraw my annulment petition so that my wife can have her divorce that she needs for her self-petition. I decided that the love should win over the hate, and that I should do what was best for her because I did genuinely love and care about her. I no longer wanted to make things harder for her. I made it clear to the judge why I was doing this, but also made it clear that I had shown my evidence first to show the court that there were definite red flags and suspect behavior from my wife which caused me to feel as though I may have been used. I wanted the court and her attorney to see my reasons for my petition to annul. I had effectively blown her attorney out of the water by surprisingly backing off and my move destroyed their whole offensive plan, because they expected me to battle and put witnesses on the stand etc. I decided the thing to do would be to help my wife, and just get it over with. At least this way, I will get some money to help pay off these debts. She gets her green card, and can ride my name in to the green card sunset now. I hope she is happy, that's all I want.

She did however refuse to answer questions regarding her inconsistencies and red flags during the marriage. I had hopes that we would be able to end things amicably, and she would be forthright and honest about things and give us answers so that we could all achieve closure. She chose not do so, so my mother and I are kind of still left with a feeling of maybe being used and abandoned. But that's the way she decided to leave it.

I still miss her, and I wish there were a better way for us. But I wish her well...

I've waited on VJ to see the final result. What you did was very generous but she did not deserve it, after she sent police to chase you to prevent you from showing up at the court. It's been one year since that story started, I hope you feel much better now. Time heals they say and from personal experience I believe it's true. Wish you good luck and a new truly love soon that will make your life complete