Everyone has the right to feel safe at home. If you are experiencing any form of abuse, domestic violence, or control, you should know your rights. Domestic violence can be physical abuse like slapping, hitting, or choking, but it can also be emotional abuse like making you feel afraid, taking your money or keeping you away from friends or family, and is used to try and control you. The following organizations are here to help.
Where to Seek Help and More Information:
For concerns about abuse, help with a restraining order or shelter, contact Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) 211 S. 4th St, Grand Forks, ND, (701) 746-0405, www.cviconline.org. CVIC services are free and confidential and we do not ask about immigration status.
For questions about immigration status and help with connecting with the community, contact Global Friends Coalition, 1815 Demers Ave, Grand Forks, ND, (701) 746-8233, www.gfcoalition.org
For community support, connections, and other referrals, contact United African Community, 2524 S Washington Street, Suite B, Grand Forks, ND 58201, (701) 739-8258.
You can ask for help and information from these organizations without having to want to leave your relationship. They will listen to you, support you, and provide you with information for you to make your own choices.
Your Rights: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I call the police if I am in danger?
If you are being abused or you need help, you can call the police. You do not have to talk about your immigration or citizenship status with the police. However, any contact with the police can put you in a risky situation with your immigration status. If you contact the police, you should also contact an attorney.
Can I get a restraining order if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You have the same rights to the U.S. court systems and domestic violence services as citizens. Contact your local domestic violence agency (CVIC) or courthouse for help. You have the right to keep your immigration status private from advocacy and shelter services. They will keep your information confidential, including your immigration status.
Can I get a divorce even if my partner doesn’t want to?
Yes. You have the right to seek a divorce or custody order even if your partner doesn’t want you to.
What if my status is directly related to my marriage?
You may still be able to get divorced without it affecting your status, depending on your situation. You also do not need to wait to apply for citizenship until you are divorced.
My partner took my immigration documents. What can I do?
There are options to apply for citizenship even if you are missing documents or are unable to pay the filing fees. If you are being abused and do not have documented status, there are waivers you can apply for to try and receive a green card. You should contact an immigration agency or immigration attorney.
Can I be deported if I report abuse?
You cannot be deported if you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident or have a valid visa. The only exceptions to this are if you used fake documents to enter the country, broke the rules of your visa, or committed certain crimes. Certain criminal charges can put your legal resident status at risk.
How can I report violence or abuse?
You can report a crime regardless of your immigration status. Violence is against the law. If you have been abused, you do not have to respond to questions about your immigration status. If the police officers do not speak your language, ask the police to provide a translator or find someone who can translate for you.
Will I lose my children if I report the abuse?
No matter what your immigration status is, you can file for divorce or file a custody case to try to make sure you will keep your children. How a divorce or custody case will turn out is decided by a judge.
Do I have to sign something my partner told me to sign?
You should not sign anything unless you are sure you understand what you are signing and what it means. You may ask for the documents to be translated, or have the documents translated yourself.
Child support – can I get child support if I am not a legal permanent resident or a U.S. citizen?
Yes, but it depends on if the other party is employed, etc. Contact info for regional child support office?
What types of public assistance, if any, can I get if I’m not a legal permanent resident or a U.S. citizen?
Most communities offer short term shelter and food bank assistance, regardless of immigration status. Depending on your status, you may be eligible for some other types of public assistance. Check with your local immigration agency or https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2023-03.pdf
*The information in this brochure should not be considered legal advice, and we cannot guarantee this information is always up to date as immigration law is constantly changing.
*Will translate into other languages.
This project was supported by Grant Number 15JOVW-22-GG-00240-JFFX awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.