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Agendar Aqui

What are psychological evaluations?

An immigration psychological evaluation is a professional and detailed evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist. This type of evaluation is designed to analyze a person's mental health and emotional state in the context of immigration proceedings in the United States.

During the evaluation, in-depth interviews and specialized psychological tests are conducted. The goal is to identify possible trauma, symptoms of anxiety or depression, and other emotional factors that may influence the immigration case. The final report is a key document that provides evidence in legal proceedings, supporting attorneys in applications for asylum, VAWA, waivers, U and T visas, among others.

Importance of Psychological Evaluation
in Migration Processes

Psychological evaluations are critical in situations where mental health and emotional well-being may be determining factors in an immigration case. be determining factors in deciding an immigration case. Here are some scenarios where a psychological evaluation may be crucial:

VAWA

Violence Against Women Act:

Victims of domestic violence can apply for legal protection in the U.S. The psychological evaluation in these cases helps document the impact of the abuse on the applicant's mental health, strengthening the application for protection under VAWA.

Visa U:

Victims of certain violent crimes who have suffered physical or emotional abuse may apply for this visa. The psychological evaluation is crucial to demonstrate how the victimization has impacted the applicant's life, documenting the emotional and mental sequelae.

Visa T:

Trafficked persons may apply for the T Visa. The psychological evaluation provides evidence of the emotional and psychological impact of the exploitation suffered, assisting in the process of obtaining legal protection.

Asylum

Individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries may exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems. A psychological evaluation documents these effects and provides context to the judge about how the lived experiences affect the applicant's ability to relate their events in a clear and coherent manner.

Extreme Hardship Exemptions 601A:

These assessments demonstrate the extreme hardship a family would face if the applicant were deported. The report includes the psychological impact on the applicant and his or her family members, documenting how separation would affect their emotional stability.

Asylum Petitions and Cancellation of Removal Petitions:

Assessments to document the psychological impact of persecution, violence or trauma suffered in the applicant's home country, as well as the possible emotional consequences if forced to return.

Evaluations for Bariatric Surgery:

Preoperative psychological evaluations to ensure that candidates for bariatric surgery are emotionally prepared for the physical and mental changes involved in this procedure, guaranteeing a comprehensive approach to the patient's health.

N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions for U.S. Citizenship:

Specialized evaluations documenting mental or physical disabilities that prevent the applicant from completing the required tests for naturalization, providing the basis for a waiver in the process.

Case Studies

Maria, asylum seeker: Maria fled her country due to political persecutions. In interviews, she found it difficult to express her experiences because of the emotional impact she suffered. The psychological evaluation documented her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), allowing her attorney to present a report to support her case to the immigration judge.

Juan, victim of domestic violence (VAWA): Juan experienced years of psychological and physical abuse in his home. The psychological evaluation revealed that he suffered from severe anxiety and depression, information that was included in a report to support his VAWA application.

Sofia, victim of a violent crime (Visa U): Sofia suffered a violent attack that left her with emotional sequelae. The psychological evaluation documented her inability to perform daily activities and the need for ongoing psychological support, which strengthened her case for a U Visa.

Why is a psychological evaluation important in Asylum, VAWA, U Visa, Waivers or Medical Certifications?

Psychological evaluations provide objective evidence on how certain events have affected a person's mental health. This is crucial in migration processes because:

Context

They provide judges and immigration officers with a clear understanding of the emotional impact of lived experiences.

Credibility

They offer a professional endorsement that enhances the applicant's credibility.

Documentation

They accurately detail the psychological conditions affecting the applicant, helping authorities to make informed decisions.