Real Immigrant Stories

The people below are not alone.  Our broken immigration system affect tens of millions of lives every year.  Too often, their stories go untold, please read what they have to say.  Do you have an immigration story that you would like to tell?  Click here to share your story.

Tatsiana D. - Alhambra, California

Hello! My name is Tatsiana and I would like to share my story.  I came in US 9 years ago from Belarus on K-1 (fiancée) visa. The petitioner of a visa was a US citizen from Afghanistan, who I dated for over 2 years in my country (I met him thru my friends).  He said that people here are able to get married by signing and mailing in an application. I spoke no English and had no idea what he gave me to sign. A few months went by, and a Marriage Certificate never came in the mail.

Because I spoke no English, Fareed found me a job a cross the street at the car wash.  I was a car washer went to learn English after work. When my Work Authorization was expired, I asked him to renew it.  Instead, he brought me a fake EAD. I also found out from his tax report that he was single.

He slept only 2-3 times a week in our home. I was experiencing all forms of violence you could only imagine. I learned not to ask him any questions.

After about 1.5 years I got a “U” Interim Relief Deferred Action and was able to work and get a drivers license. Later I met the man that I would soon marry.  My attorney told me that I could get permanent residency thru a “U” visa, but marriage would be faster.  So we got marry. Since we applied for an adjustment of status every thing was denied (appeals, motions to reconsider)(except I-130), because I didn’t marry my original petitioner with in 90 days. I did my own research and found out that Deferred Action is not a status. Because the government delayed to issue regulations for “U” visa for 7 years, I was not supposed to be able to file for an adjustment of status.  I could only extend Deferred Action every year.  In all I have spent about $ 20,000 in immigration and lawyer fees (every thing that I have made here since I came).

Currently I’m in a deportation proceeding.  My husband and I don’t know what is going to happen. We are also expecting a baby in about 2 weeks. In a little more than a year ago I applied for an actual “U” visa.  But I have very little hope that I will get it.  I’m sure they are many people like me, who came here ILEGALLY but became victims of violence and fraud.  There is no law for these type of situations. Our family is facing separation and my husband doesn’t speak Russian.  Who will accept us if we do immigrate?

Thank you for letting me share my story.