Is a vow not to touch one's wife, who has caused problems and a clash of customs, considered a forbidden vow, taking into account the current inability to leave her in order to obtain citizenship and a work permit in the United States?

If you do not clarify whether the woman is Muslim, Kitabiyyah (People of the Book), or a non-Kitabiyyah disbeliever, then each has its own ruling:

- If she is a non-Kitabiyyah disbeliever: Your marriage is invalid by consensus, and you must separate from her. - If she is Kitabiyyah or Muslim: Your marriage is valid.

However, if you married her without her guardian's permission, your marriage is invalid according to the more preponderant opinion, and it must be annulled.

Assuming the marriage is valid, if the woman is bad, it is preferable to divorce her, especially if you have not had children with her. Furthermore, your residency in those countries poses risks to you and your children.

As for a man vowing never to touch his wife, it is a type of non-binding vow. The more cautious approach is to offer an expiation for a broken oath (kaffarat yamin) for it.