a domestic violence story

I am a survivor of a very tragic story of domestic violence
My children are currently 9, 15, and 16 were also victims of terrible abuse. The abuse was physical, verbal, sexual and psychological
We were able to escape just before he could kill us.
We were place in a refugee center for people in extreme danger and we lived there for a year.
Now we live in hidding.
I used to live in the United States.
Ten years ago I came down to Venezuela to visit my sick grandmother and met this terrible sick abusive man.
I got trapped in here with no possible way to get out. My two oldest children are US citizens. they were born in Orlando, Florida.
Curently we live in hiding and constant fear. I would like to leave the country so I can give my children to opportunity to live a normal life.
I used to hold a permant resident staus ( green card) when I came down to Venezuela 10 years ago
but because I was a hostage in my own home I was not able to return back on time in order to keep my resident status, I wonder if it would be possible to regain my status back due to muy extraordinary circumstances beyond my control that did not allowed me to go back on time?
Furthermore, my oldest daughter will finish high school this year, she is an excellent student with very high gpa ranking of 18.5 in a educational system that uses the 1-20 evaluation format, This girl has overcome terrible tragedies for she was severely abused by her stepfather and truly deserves a chance of living in the United States of America and having all the opportunities that such a great nation can provide for her.
She wishes to become a surgeon. Her English is very limited because we were not allowed to speak nor practice any English at home. My other question is, would it be possible for her to get an scholarship to study english as a second language, in the united states in order to get her proficient to take the SAT and the TOEFL?
I am sure that if she is able to take this tests she could then apply for colleges because she is truly a magnificent student. and a remarkable kid!! I ask for help!

Amy,

I am sorry to hear about all that you and your children have gone through. I highly encourage you to seek legal advice from a lawyer who can provide you with the best steps for your situation

In regards to your oldest daughter, it is great that after all the hardships your family has suffered, you are encouraging her to seek her goals! Is she a U.S. citizen? If so the process will be easier for her to study in the United States. If she is not a citizen, she will need to seek financial help. Here are some things to consider:

* Check the ESLDESK website regarding English as a Second Language programs throughout the United States - [www.esldesk.com]. I would start researching some programs and explain to them your daughter’s citizen status and if they can provide her financial help. They will be able to provide your more information on the steps you can take. Many of these colleges provide scholarships as the student continues with their studies in ESL. An example is the LA City College - [lacitycollege.edu].

Also consider looking at a student foreign exchange program, such as AYUSA - [www.ayusa.org]. To look for other options besides AYUSA, use search engines like www.google.com or www.yahoo.com and type in "student foreign exchange programs" or "student exchange programs in the US."

In addition, you should get in touch with the local office that works with Education USA to promote the study of foreign students in the US. Check locations in Venezuela on their website [educationusa.state.gov]. These offices help foreign students understand the college application process, financial aid, exams needed, etc.

Finally, please go to our homepage and click on the category "Paying for school." You will find "SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS" - [www.latinosincollege.com].

Once again, you children are blessed to have such a strong mother who is pushing them to complete their education! Please check on this information and feel free to contact us again!

Good luck,

- Jazmin

Jazmin,

Thank you very much for your response and encouraging words,

My oldest daughther and son are US citizens, they were born in Florida

I will look into those resources you mention

Her grades are top of the class and she is an extraordinary student

Her lacking in on English proficiency, which is on what I need to help her right now

I am so sure that once she is able to master the English language well, She would be on her way to achieving

her academic dream of becoming a Surgeon.

So in this particular issue is where I need the most help and guidace to be able to do it.

The goal is to find a school that can enroll her in an ESL program with the financial assistance that she needs.

again, I appreciate your words

Amy

Dear Amy,

The immigration service will take the position that you abandoned your lawful permanent residence status based on the fact that you were outside the country for more than one year. You can try a couple of things: 1) You can attempt an entry into the United States and tell the immigration officers that you are an arriving alien and you wish to demonstrate during removal proceedings that you did not abandon your residency and that your failure to return was due to circumstances beyond your control i.e. being the victim of domestic abuse; OR, 2) You can attempt an entry into the United States and request asylum based on domestic abuse. (This is a fairly new law, even though the case was pending since the Clinton Administration, such case was decided a year ago). I must emphasize that you must show that the country where you resided, in this case Venezuela, did not address or help you in any way against your aggressor (this may be a difficult standard to show). I hope this information is helpful. Your case is complicated because it is more than likely that the immigration service's position will be that you abandoned your residency.

Good luck and I wish you well.

- Elsie C. Vasquez, Esq.

The information you obtain in this response to your question is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. The Law Offices of Elsie C. Vasquez invites you to contact us for further services.

Elsie C. Vasquez is an attorney specializing in U.S. immigration law. For more information, please visit her at www.elsievasquezlaw.com or [www.facebook.com]. You can also contact her at the following address and number:

Law Office of Elsie C. Vasquez
399 Knollwood Road, Suite 112
White Plains, New York 10603
Telephone: 914-949-1701
Fax: 914-949-1865