Change.org Reader Struggles to Overcome Violence, Remain in U.S.

by Amanda Kloer · 2009-03-19 12:00:00 UTC
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UPDATE: Privilege wrote to me to say she has been successful in her quest for a U Visa, and "can now earn a living for myself and decide how my life will go."  She thanks Change.org for support and assistance as she works to overcome the terrible violence she has experienced.

I was recently contacted by Privilege, a reader of this blog and a woman who wanted to tell her story of overcoming domestic violence and trafficking, only to continue to struggle to get a U Visa, which would give her temporary legal status and work eligibility in the United States for up to 4 years. She gave me permission to share her letter with you.

My name is Privilege.  I am a resident of Louisiana and a survivor of nine years of domestic abuse and sexual abuse. The only way out of my hell was to turn my husband in and apply for the U Visa.

In the U.S., there are currently 13,000 U visa applications pending, of which only 65 have been approved.  What are my chances of getting approved in this lifetime?  And since I cannot work till my work permit is approved how am I supposed to sustain my family in the interim?  The U-Visa as it stands today is a flawed frustrating maze with no clear end in sight. One has to go through hell and high waters to get the certification.

I would know because I left my husband who was my abuser on July 6, 2008. I began my U Visa journey, pounded the pavement almost daily for three months trying to get the certification.   I went through terrifying ordeals in seven court hearings against the man who promised to love and cherish me but, instead had planned to traffic me here to become his personal slave. I have co-cooperated with all the law enforcement agencies in the prosecution of the crimes done to me despite my husband's threats. Sunday March 15, my husband was deported back to our home country and justice was finally served.

All I ask for is the ability to provide for my children without fearing being caught and arrested then deported for working illegally. If I do not work how, do I feed my children? Pay the bills? Keep a roof over my head? My daughters (ages 7 and 3) who are citizens will be placed in foster care should I get deported.

Please help me finally find an end to this nightmare.

Sincerely,
Privilege

 

Amanda Kloer is a Change.org Editor and has been a full-time abolitionist in several capacities for seven years. Follow her on Twitter @endhumantraffic
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