H-4 Horror: Woman Trapped With Abusive Husband in USA

H-4 Visa Abuse Case Raises Safety Alarms

A post on Reddit has revealed the horrific condition of an Indian woman on H-4 Visa in Washington, USA. The post, made by her brother, reports that the woman’s husband has kept her trapped after her visa expired.

She’s been subjected to severe domestic violence and abuse. Her husband controls her finances, and keeps her under surveillance using cameras.

Worse, her child, who is a US Citizen, has had their passport hidden by the husband. This means that she cannot escape the house with her child.

Her brother plans to travel to the US from India to help her, and asks for advice in his post. However, the option available are limited.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), is available only to spouses of green card holders or US citizens. Spouses of visa holders in the States are left completely unprotected.

However, lawyers have stated that there is a way to grant her freedom. Abused H-1B spouses can apply for an independent work permit by providing evidence of abuse.

This grants a two year EAD with unrestricted authorisation. Further, the H-1B holder will not be notified that their spouse has applied.

Domestic violence victims can also file for a U-visa, which gives a path to an independent green card. She can free herself then by applying for a proper divorce.

But as it stands, the woman’s H-4 visa has expired. Meaning she’s under extreme risk of deportation, a threat her husband uses to control her.

Her brother has been told to contact local authorities upon landing in the US. Washington State residents can file a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) that grants an emergency order, with no filing fee.