Couple Separated In The Us: Passport Renewal For The Kid

Your friend should never give up her job for getting such a person back. She will never be happy with him. Maintaining visa status is important else she will be forced to return to India without her kid.

He proved that he dont care about her or kid. Why is she waiting for a person who don't love or respect her. Pathetic .
Her husband thinks she will never proceed legally and he can control her. But when he receives papers from court he will be forced to respond.

The most important thing she needs to do now is consult an attorney who can handle her situation. She need to legally separate and get full custody of her kid. I think she get custody because her husband almost abandoned her and kid. Please explore. Rest can wait. I think Indian citizen can get divorce in USA( tagging @nuss here. May be she can give some idea)

Also, she is working and eligible for EAP, and get some counseling for herself. That will give some clarity.