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Teresa Giudice Says She Doesn't Talk About Husband Joe's Deportation: 'That's Negative Thoughts'

Teresa Giudice has put the news of Joe Giudice‘s possible deportation out of her mind.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star, 46, revealed on Wednesday’s episode that as the clock counts down to Joe’s release from jail — where he’s been serving a 41-month prison sentence for mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud since March 2016 — she’s just focusing on the positive.

“The closer it gets to Joe getting out, all I think about is, ‘Soon he’ll be home,’ ” Teresa said. “I don’t even talk about deportation. That’s all negative thoughts. To me, Joe’s coming home and that’s it.”

It’s the first time Teresa has addressed Joe’s possible deportation on the Bravo reality series.

In October, an immigration court ruled to deport Joe, 48, to his native Italy after his prison sentence. (Even though he has lived in the United States since he was a child, he never obtained American citizenship, and immigrants can be deported if they are convicted of “a crime of moral turpitude” or an “aggravated felony,” according to U.S. law.)

Though Joe appealed the ruling in November, he still faces deportation.

Teresa and Joe Giudice
Teresa and Joe Giudice

While he’s away, Teresa — who served a little over 11 months in prison, herself, for the same crimes and was released on Dec. 23, 2015 — has been caring for the couple’s four daughters: Gia, 18, Gabriella, 14, Milania, 12, and Audriana, 9.

On Wednesday’s episode, she made a visit to see Joe (though the cameras didn’t follow her there).

“I just came straight from seeing Joe,” she told pal Danielle Staub, adding that the two talk about the kids and about “what he wants to do when he gets out.”

There was some dirty talk as well, Teresa said, recalling how Joe tried to make a move. “He’s trying to touch my a–. I’m like, ‘Get your hand off of my a–,’ ” she explained, laughing. “You’re not allowed to do that!”

Overall, Teresa said she can’t wait until Joe is back home. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “The kids will really be happy when he gets home. They can’t wait, especially Milania.”

Teresa Giudice
Teresa Giudice

RELATED: Joe Giudice ‘Remains a Big Presence’ in His Family’s Life as Wife Teresa Visits Him in Prison

Last month, Teresa’s lawyer James J. Leonard Jr. told PEOPLE that despite being in jail, Joe “remains a big presence in everyone’s lives through phone calls, emails and visits.”

“It’s not ideal, but this family has been doing this since 2015,” he said, adding that Joe is on “everybody’s mind,” especially his four daughter’s. “God willing it all be over soon and Joe will return home where he belongs.”

Meanwhile, Joe is apparently “being very positive,” Teresa revealed during a November appearance on Good Morning America.

“The girls are really upset,” she said. “It’s hard for them. Adults can handle anything, but it’s hard for children to go through this. They’re asking themselves, ‘Why is this happening to me? I want my daddy to come home.’ “

As for herself? “I never thought I’d be in this position,” she said, confessing that the situation was hard on the couple’s marriage.

“It’s very difficult. We’ve been through a lot. I’ve gone through ups and downs, being angry — but listen, I have to stay strong. I have four beautiful daughters that need their mommy. … [We’re] taking it one day at a time.”

The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Wednesdays (9 p.m. ET) on Bravo.