Ester

Ester is from Cameroon. She met Eric shortly after she came to the United States on a work visa.  Eric helped Ester adjust to life in the U.S.   They started a relationship, and after six months, they were married.  At first, Ester and Eric were happy, but then Ester began to notice changes in Eric's behavior.  He became jealous and aggressive.  If he caught Ester talking to a neighbor or friends, he’d curse at her and call her names.  During one argument, Eric threw a glass bowl at Ester in the kitchen, shattering it.

Around the same time, Ester found out that Eric was cheating.  They separated for a time.  While they were separated, Eric called Ester constantly and stalked her at work, telling her that he was going to have her deported if she didn’t get back with him.  Ester was scared and confused.  Ultimately, at the urging of her church pastor, Ester decided to give Eric one more chance.  They reconciled and had a daughter the following year. 

But after the reconciliation, Eric’s abusive behavior escalated.  Ester was scared to leave because of Eric’s repeated threats to have her deported.  Ester finally reached out for help.  She called American Gateways and found out that American Gateways could file an immigration petition based on the abuse she suffered through the Violence Against Women Act. 

Because of the services American Gateways provided, Ester was able to obtain her permanent residency less than a year after leaving Eric for good.  Ester now has a steady job and lives independently with her daughter.