'Don’t Take My Child From Me' – Anjali Kour’s Story (Chai With Sahelis: A Desi Dost Project)

Anjali Kour married a H1B visa holder and moved to America. Then, domestic violence destroyed her marriage. Anjali became an illegal alien when her husband refused to renew her H4 dependent visa and abandoned her. Losing her immigration status nearly cost Anjali her son. For years she battled in the U.S. family and immigration courts to win back custody. She continues to live in legal limbo as that battle continues.

“Don’t Take My Child From Me” is her story. 

Anjali’s tale is a graphic case of transnational abandonment.  Her fight for her son and immigration status encapsulates a larger dilemma that many immigrant women face.  

This audio story is part of a unique storytelling project, “Chai with Sahelis,'' where survivors from the Indian American (desi) community share deeply personal stories about their experience living with and surviving  domestic violence. This three-part series for October’s Domestic Violence month, is supported by the USC Center for Health Journalism in partnership with Desi Collective, Narika and India Currents.

Chai With Sahelis

Episode 1: I’m A Warrior

Episode 2: It’s Not Just A Thappad

Episode 3: Don’t Take My Child From Me