Driving southbound where the 5 meets the 55 freeway on a Monday night always felt like “the Orange Crush” to Basma, crowded, chaotic, and suffocating. For two years, Basma had dreaded this drive from Diamond Bar to Costa Mesa to pick up her kids from her estranged husband, Darien. Though she cherished time with her children, the visits were shadowed by anxiety and fear. Darien had become increasingly manipulative, often threatening her safety and her immigration status.

As an undocumented survivor, Basma felt powerless. Darien used the legal system as a weapon, threatening deportation and full custody of the kids if she ever challenged him. Without a green card, and no experience navigating the U.S. legal system, Basma felt trapped in a cycle of fear, afraid to speak up or act.

Everything changed when Basma connected with a Radiant Futures legal advocate.

At the urging of a friend, she came to Radiant Futures and met with a legal advocate who helped her understand her rights and the legal protections available to survivors of domestic violence. For the first time, Basma learned that abuse doesn’t have to be physical to be real and that she had the right to safety, no matter her immigration status.

Basma also connected with an accredited immigration representative at Radiant Futures, who explained how she could petition for legal status independently through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a pathway specifically designed to protect survivors like her.

With this support, Basma returned to court and secured a five-year restraining order to protect herself and her children. The court also ordered supervised visits for Darien and financial support for Basma.

Today, Basma is moving forward with hope. She’s working toward permanent residency and building a life where she and her children can thrive without fear.

Legal advocacy saves lives. For undocumented survivors like Basma, it opens the door to safety, justice, and healing.

If you or someone you know is unsure about their immigration rights or seeking safety from abuse, Radiant Futures is here to help. Call our 24/7 bilingual Helpline at 877-531-5522. You are not alone, and you do have options.