Married but Overstayed, abusive husband, want a divorce and be able to work and study

[dkgirl13 0]

Heii, Im new on this forum. One of my friend helped find this forum for me since me and her doesnt know what to do about my situation and Im not sure if i have it in the correct category.

I came on an ESTA visa 3 years ago and wasnt planning on staying in the US. My now husband convinced me to stay and that it would be easy to change my ESTA into a full citizenship and that we would get married and do the papers later, and i sadly believed him. I have now been married for 3 years with him and he has no plans on making me legal and helping me out with my immigration, he is abusive and treats me like im a slave and his family is abusive as well to me.

I finally opened up to some of my friends about what is actually going on and one of them are in the US and she wants to help me become legal and help me get back up on my feet, but i have no idea what forms to file for and i know its gonna be a hard battle since i overstayed my ESTA, got married and now wanting to be able to study and work. I cant really afford a lawyer and i was wondering if anyone knows what my rights are? Do I have any rights at all? What forms to fill? Will I get deported if I get a divorce? Do I HAVE to get a lawyer? Do I have to be married to become legal? etc. I have been looking everywhere but I havent been able to find any answers and I really hope that this forum can help me out cause I really wanna get away from my abusive husband and be able to build up a happy life here. I have no idea at all with what forms to file for and what steps to take. I would greatly appreciate if anyone could help me figure out what forms to file for and with what to do. I have been looking everywhere and havent been able to find anything and Im desperate to get away from my abusive husband and be able to move in with my friend so she can help me out.

[Ontarkie 14,378]

~~Moved to Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits, from K1 P&P - As this is where similar topics are discussed.~~

~~Tittle edited to reflect and Overstay instead of illegal.~~

[Pinkrlion 2,724]

Divorce and go back home.

[Darnell 8,479]

to be legal in the USA, one files for an adjustment of status after marriage, culminating in green card issuance.

although you are married, you two haven't filed for this adjustment of status,

and i don't know if a path is easily available.

However, there's this huge thing for Violence against Women Act, and we have several topics about it. Please get on a PC and study, in this sub-forum, soonish..

[It_takes_2 5]

I so sorry you have to go through this and I wish you luck.

I think you should look into VAWA which helps victims of domestic violence to become residents. Maybe this applies to your case? I would get legal advice before trying to apply - sounds like your case requires someone experienced to walk you through this.

http://www.ilrc.org/info-on-immigration-law/vawa

[Sandra G. 5,057]

Please join the Vawa thread,if you have a bonafide marriage and ypu are being abused you qualify for Vawa.

Pinkloid I urge you to develop compassion and knowledge about Vawa.

[Anh map 2,098]

You need someone with knowledge and experience to help you sort out your situation and options. That will often mean paying an experienced attorney.

Look for an advocacy group (for example a local women's shelter) that may be able to help you sort things out for little to no money. They may have their own legal advisors that can direct you properly.