U.S. Citizens Married to Immigrants Are Living in Fear and Being Forced Apart

A new report from American Families United (AFU)  reveals a growing crisis among U.S. citizens married to immigrants, with families reporting intense fear, prolonged separation, and mounting emotional and financial strain.

According to the survey, 80% of U.S. spouses say they live in daily fear of being separated from their husband or wife, while 12% are already separated across borders and 8% have been forced into exile just to stay together. More than half say they would likely leave the United States entirely if their family was threatened with separation.

Behind these numbers are American families who feel abandoned by a system they say gives them no path forward.

Amanda Ribeiro, a U.S. citizen, nurse, and mother, said her family was torn apart even though they followed every legal step available. “My family’s separation was not inevitable — it was a policy choice. And no one benefits from American children growing up without their father.” 

Other families shared that they have faced emotional, financial, and medical hardship, including delayed medical care, lost income, and long periods of separation. Some couples have been separated for over five years, and nearly one-third have been apart for more than a decade. Many have already consulted attorneys, filed paperwork with federal agencies, appeared before immigration judges, or sought help from elected officials, yet still remain without a path to keep their families together.

The findings expose a crisis hiding in plain sight. “The families we represent are doing everything right, and still they’re punished,” said AFU Executive Director Ashley DeAzevedo. “This data makes clear that inaction is no longer acceptable.”