Legal Question in Immigration Law in Illinois

Husband wouldn't give a copy of H4. 3 years of Verbal abuse and communication em

(Background: We are having marital disagreement due to 3 years of verbal abuse. He changed my name and would not allow me to speak with my sisters and parents.)

My husband would not give me a copy of my H4. my passport has H4 visa stamped that expired in October 2002. His employer would not disclose his corporate attorney's phone number. I called USCIS office in Nebraska with no avail. I live in michigan.

How do I get the LIN number?

What are my options?

Please guide me soon!!


Asked on 6/28/04, 11:06 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Regina Mullen Legal Data Services, PLC

Re: Husband wouldn't give a copy of H4. 3 years of Verbal abuse and communicatio

Nonsense. Your husband doesn't have control over your paperwork: you do. You don't need to do a FOIA request, you need to take care of your business.

There are INS procedures for foreign spouses locked in an abusive relationship,--it's not at all uncommon. However, you're going to have to take a more responsible role in this thing, or you're not going to get very far.

Unless he's locked you in the house, go right down to INS and tell them what is going on. If you need a divorce, then get a local lawyer involved and get out from under his control.

You clearly have some freedom, because you're on the internet. Google: "visa VAWA visa INS" and read what is online. VAWA is the "Violence Against Women Act"

If you have no money, call your nearest domestic violence hotline. They can help walk you through getting out,--or at least give you some guidance. Verbal abuse and the denial of freedom or destruction/hiding things that by law belong to YOU is the beginning of worse abuse. But, you have to participate in it for it to happen. Make the decision NOT to participate by getting the heck out of there, if your husband doesn't get himself in order. Don't let his problem become a worse problem for you.

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Answered on 6/29/04, 10:05 am
David Nachman Nachman & Associates, P.C.

Re: Husband wouldn't give a copy of H4. 3 years of Verbal abuse and communicatio

You would want to consider preparing a Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") request. The FOIA request is made to the CIS on Form G-639. You can locate the Form on the web at the USCIS website.

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Answered on 6/28/04, 11:51 am


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