Good day. I am writing to ask for your help. I came to the States a few years ago after stowing away on a boat from the Bahamas, as I could not get a visa. I came to Florida and stayed with a drug-dealing family member of mine; she was living with her drug-dealing American man, who never worked a day in his life. All they did was sell drugs. I did not like the way they lived but I knew no one else here so I stayed.

I knew they were taking people's money under false pretences and promising to get them green cards. They even went to Jamaica and took people's money after telling them that they could get them here on American papers, but they didn't. They told me if I paid them they would look for an American man to do a business marriage with me. I was happy to hear that as I badly wanted my papers. I agreed to the proposal, telling them that I wanted to go to school here and get my driver's licence. My family member turned to me saying, "you just come here and want to do everything already," I was shocked but did not say anything.

Became angry

Anyway, I kept paying and paying and begging them to help me but they only took my money and laughed at me. I could not take it anymore. So, one day when her man was not there, I confronted her and told her I knew what he was doing. I meant to say both of them but I was afraid, so I only mentioned him. She became angry at my statement and started cursing me. She took my things and threw them out into the hall. I was afraid. Later, both she and her man cursed me out and called immigration services on me. I called a lady and asked her to help me, but she said she was afraid to help for my family member had done her the same thing. I asked another lady to assist me. She gave me a lift to the airport, so I could get away before immigration got there. I had nowhere to go but to an former in-law. He forced me to sleep with him and I am now pregnant.

As a result, a lot of wild rumours and lies are going around about me. I had no choice but to sleep with him. He told me I would not get my papers if I did not sleep with him. Only God knows how badly I wanted those papers, as I had hopes of becoming a lawyer and now my life is ruined. I just want everyone to know that I did not steal anyone's husbands.

I tried to speak to Dr. Phil, Oprah, Maury, Montel and even the Sally Show, but no one will help me because they were told that I went to Haiti to work voodoo. I can't get any help and I am beginning to believe what they said as I have tried so hard to find someone to help me.

Pastor, can you give me your fatherly advice? I am at my wits end!

There is a lot more that I want to say but I do not want bore you anymore, so I will stop at this.

Thank you and Father God bless you. I am awaiting your reply. Thanks again.

B.C., USA

Dear B.C.,

I do not wish to comment on the details of your letter. What I would suggest is that you seek the help of an immigration lawyer and tell the lawyer the absolute truth. Remember, you are responsible for whatever you do and nobody should be blamed for the predicament in which you have found yourself.

Pastor