Marriage as a Lifeline: Using Your U.S. Spouse to Fight a Deportation Order Facing a deportation order can be one of the most frightening and uncertain experiences for an immigrant and their family. When a person is married to a U.S. citizen, that marriage may be an important part of exploring available immigration options—but understanding the process, requirements, limitations, and proper legal strategy is essential. RESILIENCE is a practical guide designed to help spouses and families better understand how a genuine marriage to a U.S. citizen may interact with immigration proceedings and potential paths toward lawful status.