Marriage Fraud

heartofgold

New Member
I am in a world of hurt and need some advice (as well as a psychiatrist)! Please help!

Earlier this year, I met a guy from Jordan. He lived in another state, and I flew to see him in June. Things were good, and we talked about marriage. But 2 days after I got home, he was detained by Immigration for overstay of visa. I was devastated, and got an attorney for him, paid his $5000 bond, and relocated him here to AZ with me.

We got married two weeks ago. The bad part is my life has gone to hell.
He is very violent, pushed me, gave me a black eye, broke several things, gives no affection, and refuses to talk sometimes for days. At first I felt bad for him, but now I feel bad for me. I am reluctant to notify police because I am a government employee, and worry about any affect on my job.

I am contemplating filing for an annulment based on fraud, but am not sure if my situation qualifies. Worst of all, he claimed to be Muslim, and I found out later he is Christian, and has never even been to a Mosque.

What recourse do I have if any? I am afraid, and don't know who to contact. Last week I retained a new attorney here in AZ to move his case here.

Please don't judge...I know I was stupid. I honestly loved him, I guess that's what hurts so much. It is obvious he doesn't love me.

**also, if anyone know how to verify marriage records in Jordan, please let me know.
 
> He is very violent, pushed me, gave me a black eye,
> broke several things,

> What recourse do I have if any?

Get the bastard arrested for domestic assault, withdraw your I130, notify the USCIS office at which you filed the petitions for him that you believe that he got married to you solely in order to obtain an immigration benefit.

REVOKE HIS BAIL. You put up his bail with USCIS, this means he was released into YOUR custody to guarantee his appearance at the next deportation hearing (similar to the function of a bail-bondsman). You can revoke his bail and get USCIS to re-arrest him for his deportation proceedings.

YOU are the victim of a crime (actually, a whole slew of crimes). Making a factually correct police report should not have any negative repercussions in your goverment job. You married him in good faith, you did not commit any crime by filing petitions for him that later turned out to have no legal basis.

> I am afraid, and don't know who to contact.

- your local police department to file a police report about the assault (black eye-->bodily injury-->2nd degree assault). Go to a physician to document the injuries in your medical record. Name witnesses who can attest to your injuries (friends, colleagues). In most states, this obliges the police to arrest him. Make sure that they know that he is in the country illegally so they can notify the local USCIS/ICE office to take him into custody in case he manages to post bail for the assault charge.
- A letter to the USCIS office you filed the petitions with, attention 'officer in charge' explaining how you got duped into marriage with this criminal and stating that you withdraw the I130 filed for his benefit.
- your local womens shelter/domestic violence hotline to get help removing yourself from this potentially deadly situation
- your local district attorneys 'victims services' office to follow up on the police report and to make sure that an indictment is entered against him. They will also help you to file an 'order of protection' or 'restraining order' against him with the local judge. The judge will typically approve such an order if you filed a police report. This will give local police powers to arrest him if he contacts you, threatens you, comes closer than 30 feet of you etc.
- a family law attorney to get either an annullment or a divorce. If you can't afford an attorney, the domestic violence hotline or some non-profit groups can help you to find an attorney to do your case 'pro-bono' or for a small fee.
 
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