Legal Question in Immigration Law in Virginia

Filipino marries husband,husband dies suddenly,did not change status

Hello!This is concerning a family friend.She's a Filipino who came here on a work visa.She met, married and had a child with here husband.They were married about 6 months when the husband suddenly died of natural causes(this past week).During that six months they never changed her status and her work visa is about to expire.Best i can understand they have limited documentation together,no bank account,no apartment rental paperwork,etc.She is presently living with her in-laws.My advice to her was to see a lawyer.She has no income of her own and does not understand how things work here.My wife and i are trying to help her get her pointed in the right direction, her life has been turned upside down this last week.We beleive her goal is to stay here with her child(child born here).How can she get help/legal advice in her no income situation?How can she best prove her marriage to her husband?Her in-laws seem to want to help but seem to be looking out for their decest son's interest.Is she responsible for any dept obligations?Husband had no life insurance.He was only 31 yrs old. Other than seeing a lawyer what steps should she take? We would appreciate any advice/information that you can give her!She is having a very difficult time.


Asked on 9/23/07, 2:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Filipino marries husband,husband dies suddenly,did not change status

Your Filipino friend's best move as you've suggested would be to arrange to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced with immigration law issues. One of the low cost legal services providers such as Catholic Chairties may be able to provide her with an attorney.

I doubt that her marriage to a now deceased U.S. citizen will be of any benefit with respect to her current immigration status and when her so-called "work visa" (H1B?) expires, she will likely thereafter soon be out of status and begin accruing overstay time.

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Answered on 9/23/07, 3:14 pm


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