Mary's Story
Mary* came to the U.S. from her native Nigeria as the fiancée of a U.S. citizen, Ronald. They were later married and as a result, Mary was eligible to apply for her permanent residency (green card) with the help of her husband. Instead of taking these necessary steps to help Mary stay in the U.S. in lawful status, Ronald began to abuse Mary. He started to hit her and call her awful names when she would complain about being homesick. He did not allow her to work outside of the home. Mary became pregnant and Ronald’s abuse got worse. He wouldn’t even give her the money necessary to treat the sexually transmitted infection he had given her. This is when Mary found the MICA Project through the help of a wonderful domestic violence advocate. Mary does not speak English, but she receives legal services from the MICA Project in her native language. The MICA Project has developed secure methods of communication with Mary to help her stay safe while accessing the services she needs. Mary is still navigating her way to safety, but with the MICA Project’s help she has started the process of self-petitioning for her green card. This will allow her to find lasting safety for herself and her child.
Immigrant women are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence.
In a needs-analysis conducted with members of the immigrant community, the MICA Project learned that domestic violence is one of the greatest issues facing immigrants and refugees today. Women are most often the victims of domestic violence, and many immigrant and refugee women are unaware of their rights or are afraid to speak out because of their legal status. Less than 20% of battered immigrant women without legal immigration status are likely to contact the police when battered.
But there is hope.
There are immigration remedies specifically designed to help women who are victims of domestic violence. These options allow women to find safety, both for themselves and for their children.
Can you help the women who come to us seeking help?
*Some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality.
Immigrant women are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence.
In a needs-analysis conducted with members of the immigrant community, the MICA Project learned that domestic violence is one of the greatest issues facing immigrants and refugees today. Women are most often the victims of domestic violence, and many immigrant and refugee women are unaware of their rights or are afraid to speak out because of their legal status. Less than 20% of battered immigrant women without legal immigration status are likely to contact the police when battered.
But there is hope.
There are immigration remedies specifically designed to help women who are victims of domestic violence. These options allow women to find safety, both for themselves and for their children.
Can you help the women who come to us seeking help?
- $50 helps pay to copy and mail the application that includes extensive evidence of the abuse suffered.
- $100 covers the cost of preparing the woman's personal statement, an important part of her application.
- $200 pays for travel costs when staff visit the rural areas where some of our clients live, allowing us to give educational presentations in an effort to reach out to other women in similar situations.
*Some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality.