Dear Friend,

Martha was brought to the United States illegally by her abusive and controlling husband.  Now she is making a new life for herself and her children thanks to the help of El Pueblo.  Her story is an inspiration.

Martha and her husband had two children, the only light in her dark life.  She had no choice but to cross the border with him or he would have taken the children and left her in Mexico, alone.  Her husband told her that she had to stay inside all the time or "la migra" (immigration) would get her.  Whenever a car pulled into their parking space, she and the children hid in the bathroom with all the lights off and the shades drawn.  She was given only enough money to buy exactly what groceries and other supplies he instructed her to get.  After years of living in terror, suffering both physical and emotional abuse, her husband tried to kill her in a rage.  A neighbor heard the commotion and called the police.  They arrived in time to find her being held down by her husband in an upstairs bedroom with a knife to her throat.  By the grace of God, in time to prevent her murder.  Her 4-year-old son witnessed everything.  Ever since that day, he sleeps with a knife under his pillow, in case his father should return to do them harm.

El Pueblo Immigration Legal Services was able to help Martha obtain a U-visa since she cooperated with police and testified against her husband.  Last month, Martha's U-visa was approved and she now has authorization to work in the United States for four years.  After three years, she will apply for permanent resident status.  What does this mean to Martha?  "El Pueblo gave me a light of hope for my children all that time when we were suffering...I give thanks to God for this opportunity which they have given me and I won't waste it.  For my children, today, I have the desire to move ahead and leave that nightmare behind me."