It’s been nearly one month since Teresa Giudice got the devastating news about her husband Joe’s pending deportation. Joe is currently serving a 41-month prison sentence on fraud charges, and since he is not a US citizen, a judge recently ordered him to be deported back to his native country of Italy after he serves his time. But now, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star is speaking out for the first time since the news broke during an appearance on Good Morning America and she opened up about how Joe’s deportation is affecting her and the couples’ four daughters.

“You know, [it’s] heartbreaking. Very Sad. The girls are very upset. It’s hard for them,” the 46-year-old told GMA host Michael Strahan. “Like I was telling you before, adults can handle anything. It’s hard for children to go through this. They’re asking themselves like, ‘Why is this happening to me? I want my daddy to come home.’” 

Teresa confirmed that she has visited her husband in prison and she said that he is staying “positive” despite the fact that he’s facing deportation. She also went on to explain that while she’s been married to Joe for nearly 20 years, she did not know that he was not an American citizen. Joe immigrated to the US with his family when he was one year old, and while his parents went on to become American citizens, Joe never applied for citizenship.

And while Teresa is facing the possibility of becoming a single mother of four once Joe gets deported, on top of the strain that his imprisonment places on their marriage, Teresa said her main focus is staying strong for her girls — 17-year-old Gia, 14-year-old Gabriella, 12-year-old Milania, and nine-year-old Audriana. “Yeah. I mean It’s very difficult. We’ve been through a lot. I’ve gone through ups and downs and being angry,” Teresa said. “But listen, I have to stay strong. I have four beautiful daughters that they need their mommy.”