I want to share a deeply personal story that, unfortunately, is far too common. Like many others, I entered marriage in good faith, with hopes of building a future with a partner I trusted. What unfolded, however, was a nightmare that exploited the very institutions meant to protect us—immigration and family courts.

Abusers are exploiting marriage, immigration benefits, and the family court system to destroy the lives of vulnerable victims—especially women with disabilities and trauma histories. These victims, like me, enter marriages hoping for love and partnership, only to be used as tools for financial stability, residency, green cards, citizenship, and control.

Our country sees too many survivors who, after enduring abuse, manipulation, and coercive control, find themselves facing continued injustices when they turn to the system for help. These systems are meant to uphold justice, but instead, they reward abusers, allowing them to gain citizenship, custody of children, and financial advantage, often with no consequences.

One of the gravest issues we face is the statute of limitations on marriage fraud cases tied to domestic violence and coercion. Victims often discover the truth years later, after the abuser has gained irreversible benefits. Time should not protect those who exploit and abuse. Our laws need reform to ensure that time does not prevent victims from seeking justice. It is crucial for abuse connected to marriage fraud, particularly involving domestic violence and the exploitation of disabled partners, to have no statute of limitations.

Moreover, family courts need to be held accountable and reformed. Too often, they fail to recognize and appropriately address the abusive dynamics at play. Instead of safeguarding the victims and children involved, they frequently reward the abusive parent, further traumatizing those already victimized. Training for judges and courtroom personnel on recognizing and understanding abuse dynamics in these cases is essential, alongside accountability measures for when the system fails.

This call is not just for those who have lived through this nightmare but for anyone who believes in justice, fairness, and protection for all families. By addressing these systemic flaws, we can forge a path forward, ensuring that no victim is left defenseless and that the abusers cannot exploit marriage and immigration laws without facing consequences.

Please join us in demanding the reform of marriage fraud statutes and the accountability of family courts in handling these emotional and complex cases. Sign the petition to protect survivors, disabled parents, and children from exploitation and abuse. Together, we can drive the change needed for a safer, more just society.