It depends on the state. Our state has a reputation that it usually takes the side of the FSU woman. I hear that the chances are generally on the side of the foreign woman in the case of an FSU bride because of the many abuses that have been reported over the last years.
She must consult with an immigration attorney in her state. If she knows someone who can recommend an attorney, it would be best. Otherwise, just open the yellow pages and call a few of the ones who post large ads. She will explain the situation and the attorney will explain the options.
One of my wife's friends is thinking to leave him before she gets the green card. Another one has made a deal with her husband. A third one has the green card, but is waiting for something else for a few more months.
P.S. 3 years sounds about right. Depending on the state and the situation, it may take a few months to get the green card (3 years after the date of the marriage). Then it is two years to have the conditions removed. So, it may be the case that in about 2 1/2 to 3 years the woman can leave him. She can leave him any time, but prior to the conditions having been removed, federal law states that the woman has the burden of proof to prove that the marriage was not done in order to bypass the laws and get the green card (if he says otherwise). After the conditions are removed, he and the INS have the burden of proof (if they decide to contest her permanent residence), and it is very difficult to prove anything and it is almost never done. Citizenship is totally unnecessary and adds nothing. The key event is the removal of the conditions two years after she is granted her conditional green card. If she has unconditional green card, she can leave him any time and go wherever it pleases her, and she can take half his money that he made during the time they were married. The latter is a big amunition on her part. She can strack a deal with him to not claim any money from him in exchange of him not contesting her residence with the INS (that is if she did not have her conditions removed, yet, otherwise as I said she can kiss him goodbye).
Also Bagira, this is very important: tell you friend to access web sites where FSU women in the US share info. There is a number out there (in Russian language). They do share great information about all things including green cards and how to go about attornies and leaving husband if things don't work out. If she does not have access at home, go to a library.
I meant how to help her to keep her marriage, be happy and to decide miscommunication problem. She still loves her husband a little and just think that her feelings would vanished soon.
They lived in Russia for several years. They looked like rather happy couple. He looked like he adore her.
They rarely have problems but because problems continued for all 7 years she feel tied. She does not need a green card and is not going to stay in US if things go wrong.
I think that you can explain me how to make her husbands to treat her with respect always.
This happens to many couples, no matter where you go. Marriage counseling is where it should start IF they
both want to save marriage. Many people have communication problems. Was the guy an 'annoying, grumpy, lazy
50yr old when they met and got married? If he does not want to go to counseling then marriage is doomed.
Most men over 50 are grumpy and lazy and emotionally not suportive! I dont see the point why devorce:)
I think woman must have her own work and hobbies and when husband feels less annoing:)
What is it that makes him annoying, grumpy and lazy? Did he just retire and has nothing to do with his spare time? Is he ill? Could she actually be the source of the problem?
There are always three sides to a coin: her version of the truth; his version of the truth; and the actual truth, which falls somewhere in between.
I'm dealing with the same thing in reverse. All your friend can do is try to talk to him and hope he catches on. I have decided it's not worth more time and effort to communicate with my wife any longer. Your friend is stupid if she thinks he will change. If she's in it for citizenship or a green card then she should hold out. But if she isn't she might as well end things now and move on.