My husband and I are constantly fighting about petty things. I often lash out, and he gives me the silent treatment or sleeps on the couch for weeks or even months. I don't know how to fix this, or if we can make it work.
I'm a stay-at-home mom with a 10-month-old baby. I came to this country 2.5 years ago, and I still don't have my green card. My husband has been having problems filing the paperwork because of money and his divorce. We got married in 2021 as soon as I arrived here, but this year, when we tried to file for my green card, he found out that he was still married to someone else.
I was devastated. I feel like he lied to me. He tried to explain that it wasn't his fault, but I don't know what to believe. Because of his mistake, I'm still stuck here, and I haven't seen my kids in 2.5 years. If I go back to my home country, I won't be able to come back to the US. And I have a 10-month-old baby here.
I'm so angry at my husband. I don't have any friends, and I'm stuck at home all the time. He doesn't give me any access to money.
Whenever we argue, he gives me the silent treatment or ignores me. I feel so helpless and alone. I'm tired of living like this. I blame him for everything. He promised me a wonderful life in the US, but instead, he's struggling to make ends meet. I had a good life in my home country. I feel like I made a mistake.
Recently I was taking a video and he said “why do u always have to film everything?” And he went on saying “ you are using me and our baby for your instagram. I dont want to be part of it” I snapped “ I said to him no one cares about you, you are no body people dont know you . You are not CIA AGENT, PRESIDENT of USA OR EVEN CELEBRITY UNLESS U HAVE A SIDE CHIC THAT I dont know off”. Both of us upset, he got upset coz the things I said to him , I got upset coz I feel like he is controlling me and giving me the vibe he has someone out there to protect her feelings? Idk.. he acted like he is somewhat important. but he isnt. He reminded me of my ex who said those things to me not to post stuff online coz he actually married.
If I leave this country, I won't get custody of my baby. I won't be able to see her again. And I don't have a job or papers. I don't know how to fix this. I don't know if we're going to make it
The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.
Learn more about our guidelines.
This sounds awful 😢 sorry you’re in this position.
Who has told you that you won’t get custody of your youngest?
Urmm coz I dont have a greencard. i am not sure how things work over here

What country are you in just now? Can’t you speak to citizens advice or an official from your own country to find out how the law stands. You can’t be held prisoner for the rest of your life
he is an american
Im from kazakstan

I’m not sure about America but there must be some kind of organisation that deals with human rights. The fact you have children back home that you are unable to see too, there must be something that can be done. I’d be surprised if they would take your baby from you if you went home.

I would contact an attorney(s) that works with immigration/family matters and see if they can discuss your options with you, even if you don't have the money to hire a lawyer, you'll have advice from people who are educated in law in the U.S.
If you have a Facebook account you may be able to find a group that's for people who are struggling with the same situation. I knew someone who was in a similar situation and she fled with her child back to Mexico and all it did was cause problems and make it harder for her, so whatever you do, do not flee with your new baby.
thankyou. I saw a VAWA attorney for abusive marriage. Im not sure am I fall into that catergory or not. My husband still technically married to someone else. I know it is consider a felony.
We discussed about this before yes we wanted to be able to live in my home land too ( open a business etc) but because right now I dont have GC I cannot even leave, If I leave I cant come back.
My child is american citizen Im not. its so complicated

Yes it's a huge issue if he is still married, id call a few different attorneys just to make sure you have all options laid out, my heart goes out to you and I hope you're able to get through this quickly with your baby and see your other children, i couldn't imagine what you're going through
I cannot live like this I feel like im a prisoner if he files for “divorce” ( im not sure if its even possible) I have no choice to sue him

Does Kazakhstan have an embassy in the U.S.? Can u give dual citizenship to your baby so u can go home? This man is abusing you if you don't have access to making your life better

How old is your baby? Why can’t you move back to your country, and he can come to live in yours? I feel like you need to talk to a lawyer

He is a liar, but what lie did he tell that could convince you to leave your kids? Who's caring for them, when were they supposed to come live with you?
Before I moved here, he painted all the beautiful scenarios; We could bring my kids to the US , he said he was a business owner/ entreprenuer. I had faith in him. But before I came he said he has to work at the hotel concierge. I still gave him the benefit of the doubt. He often talked about business, growing business together . All I hear now just words. nothing else. I was so stupid for falling for him. and few months back he told me he was still married. I was so pissed . we got married legally here in the state. Im so confused!!
10 months old. he dont want to live there. he is so proud to be american.
yes they do. until my daughter turns 18 she can decide which nationality she wants. right now I havent even register my marriage with my embassy as Our marriage is not valid ( i think)

I hope you find your way back to the children you left behind. I feel like they were the ones getting the short end of the stick here. Yes, the man sold you a dream, but you put him ahead of those children and the "great life" you had in Kazakhstan when you decided to drop everything to go be with him. You two would probably be a match made in karmic heaven. This is the guy you so desperately wanted. You were ready to risk it all for him. Don't stop now.
If i go back to my country I wont be able to see my daughter again. Im so torn. My kids live with my ex husband now.

Marrying you when he was still married to someone else is a crime and he definitely KNEW what he was doing. When you get divorced, you get something called a decree absolute - if he didn’t have that, he didn’t have a divorce. It also means that it’s likely your marriage is void.
Tbh, you need to get away from this guy. He’s lied to get you in the country and he’s financially abusing you. I definitely think that puts you in the category of domestic violence victim.
You should be able to apply for a U visa or self petition under VAWA. This would allow you to work and get some financial independence, which is gonna be your first step to getting out of this situation.
First thing you need to do is get yourself a lawyer: https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/federal/immigration/vawa-abuse-victims
thank you dear. I need to move slowly Im scared to make the decision immediately as I have no one in the US. If I apply for VAWA i have to move out from this place. I dont have money to do so.

There will be people in these places mentioned that can help you. You need to act fast or you will forever be in this position. Yeah it will be scary but what they can tell you today is just going to be the same if you wait. Find the courage and start the process. Life and time is short; don’t waste anymore of it being with this person.
As said above. He’s committed bigamy which is usually jail time. He’s not your husband, he’s someone else’s so he doesn’t have that hold on you legally.
How old are your other children?
they are 15,11,7. Im scared that i have no place to live. if I file a report Im not sure how its gonna look like.