Immigration Evaluation
Immigration Evaluation Services
An immigration evaluation is a psychological assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional to support individuals in their immigration-related legal cases. These evaluations are often used to provide evidence for specific immigration petitions or applications, helping attorneys and immigration judges understand the emotional, psychological, and social circumstances of the individual or their family.
Common Types of Immigration Evaluations
1. Hardship Evaluations:
Used for cases like waiver applications (e.g., I-601 or I-601A). The evaluation demonstrates how the deportation or removal of a family member would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.
2. Asylum Evaluations:
Conducted for individuals seeking asylum who fear persecution in their home country. The evaluation documents psychological symptoms related to trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, to support the claim of fear and danger.
3. VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Evaluations:
For individuals applying under VAWA due to domestic violence. The evaluation documents the psychological impact of abuse and helps substantiate the claim.
4. U Visa or T Visa Evaluations:
For victims of crimes (U Visa) or human trafficking (T Visa). The assessment provides evidence of trauma or abuse suffered due to the crime or trafficking experience.
5. Cancellation of Removal Evaluations:
Used to demonstrate how removal would negatively impact an individual or their U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident family members.
What Does the Evaluation Include?
• A detailed interview with the individual (and sometimes family members).
• Psychological testing (if needed) to assess mental health conditions.
• Documentation of symptoms like anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD.
• A written report summarizing findings, connecting them to the immigration case.
Importance
The evaluation provides a professional, unbiased perspective that can strengthen the legal case by illustrating the psychological or emotional factors affecting the individual or their loved ones. It often plays a critical role in achieving a favorable outcome in immigration proceedings.