90 Day Fiancé: Karine Martin faces risk of deportation after green card issues

Karine Martins, well known for her appearance on TLC's 90 Day Fiancé, is now facing deportation from the United States after immigration officials refused her green card application. Karine, originally from Brazil, married American Paul Staehle in 2017, a romance that viewers of the program know was far from easy.

The couple initially featured on 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, in which viewers saw Paul go to Brazil to meet Karine after meeting online. Their romance immediately ran into challenges, ranging from language barriers to jealousy and trust concerns, but they persevered. The couple married in Brazil and have two boys, Pierre (born 2019) and Ethan (2021).

Despite going ahead and starting a family, their relationship only grew way more toxic. Fights became way more frequent, and things took quite a serious turn when Child Protective Services (CPS) removed both kids from their home due to domestic disputes. Since then, Karine has been trying to prove she’s a fit parent and win back custody.

What exactly is 90 Day Fiancé’s Karine Martin facing legally?

In July 2025, things got even more tangibly complicated.

According to a post by @90dayfianceupdate, Karine’s petition to remove the conditions on her green card was denied. That petition is key for anyone trying to move on from a temporary to a permanent green card, and the rejection puts her at risk of deportation.

The issue here is simply that the Immigration officials apparently weren’t convinced her marriage was valid, or she couldn’t provide enough proof, especially with Paul now living in Brazil. Without that evidence, Karine’s legal status in the U.S. is hanging by a thread.

To make matters way more difficult, reports say Karine recently gave birth to a third child in 2025 with a whole new partner. That baby is reportedly in her care, while her first two kids remain in CPS custody.

The situation reached a breaking point when Child Protective Services intervened. Allegations emerged that the couple had altercations in front of their children. CPS deemed the environment unsafe and removed both Pierre and Ethan from their home.

This intervention marked a turning point in Karine's life. She has spent the past three years working to prove her fitness as a mother and regain custody of her sons.

In July 2025, the social media account @90dayfianceupdate posted images of Karine's denied immigration petition. According to the records, authorities refused her "Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence" following a comprehensive assessment.

The denial indicates that Karine's conditional green card status has been removed. This puts her at immediate risk of deportation. The timing is especially difficult, considering her current custody fight and recent motherhood.

According to immigration specialists, such denials are frequently the result of inadequate documents or concerns about the legality of the underlying marriage. Paul's departure from the United States most certainly hampered Karine's capacity to produce the necessary documentation of their connection.

What does this entail for 90 Day Fiancé's Karine’s future and kids?

The deportation threat carries serious implications for Karine's three American-born children. Pierre and Ethan remain in CPS custody, while her newborn is reportedly with her new partner. A forced return to Brazil would separate her from all three children.

Fellow 90 Day Fiancé cast members have weighed in on the situation. David Toborowsky suggested the decision could be appealed, noting that Paul's location in Brazil complicates matters. Ashley Martson expressed concern that authorities might use Karine as an example.

This instance shows how immigrant status influences family cohesiveness. Even with American citizen children, foreign-born parents must navigate intricate legal challenges to keep their status.

Karine's case exemplifies the difficulties many reality TV stars confront when their personal lives interact with immigration legislation. Her denial of her green card comes at a vital point in her life, as she works to rebuild her life and fight for her children.

The outcome of any potential appeal remains uncertain. Without successful legal intervention, 90 Day Fiancé star Karine may face removal from the country where her children were born and raised. Her story serves as a reminder of how quickly immigration status can change, even for those who appear to have established roots in America.

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90 Day Fiancé airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC and is available to stream on Max.

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