Re: please advise
I truly feel for your cousin, as no woman deserves this. Among other restrictions, I believe our faith only allows for multiple marriages with the blessings of each, respective, wife. I hope your cousin will never permit her husband to re-marry, therefore making his marriage to this other woman morally and legally wrong in more ways than one.
Has your cousin ever tried using logic with her husband? Money makes a lot of sense to a lot of people. Does he understand the costs involved with running two completely separate households? Not to mention any legal fees he will incur with immigration proceedings for this other woman? Or how about the amount of money he will loose when she divorces his sorry ass? Alimony? College tuition? Does he really want to lead a life of financial and emotional ruin this late in the game?
Anyway, it seems as though things are headed in a better direction for this couple. Something that is not mentioned often on these forums is counseling. I believe this couple really needs to speak to a professional to sort out their differences if they want to continue with a future together. I can't imagine that the wife has much faith or trust left in her husband. And what kind of husband is he after all, if he is lusting for another? Perhaps he needs a third person to help him realize what a gem of woman he has. Or perhaps she needs someone objective to show her what a jackass he is.
Finally, I suggest that your cousin speak to a religious adviser. Have them clarify what our faith says about polygamy and infidelity (both with mind and body.) Once she gets a clear answer she should take her husband to this person as well so that he is also aware of the serious offenses that he is committing.
I pray for the children in this sad situation. I hope they will never have to hear of their father's shortcomings.