Divorce and the Undocumented Spouse

<b><I>Part One of a Two-Part Article</I></b><p>Marriage to a U.S. citizen, by itself, does not confer legal status on an undocumented immigrant. However, a valid marriage — one not entered into for the purpose of evading immigration laws — can provide an avenue to legal status in some circumstances. Thus, if an undocumented immigrant gets divorced, she will generally lose that avenue.

6 minute read August 01, 2017 at 12:03 AM
By
Laurie J. Woog
Divorce and the Undocumented Spouse

Elena recently initiated divorce proceedings against her husband, Marcus. She told her family law attorney that he is “controlling” and quick to anger. But suddenly, Elena seems reluctant to continue the proceedings.

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