Clinical Evaluations for Asylum & Extreme Hardship Immigration Cases
Expert Clinical Evaluations for Immigrants: Compassionate and Professional Advocacy
Alicia provides comprehensive clinical evaluations in Wisconsin for various immigration cases, including T Visa, U Visa, Asylum, Hardship, and VAWA. Services involve detailed assessments to document the psychological and emotional impact of trafficking, crime victimization, persecution, extreme hardship, and domestic violence. These evaluations are crucial in supporting clients' applications, providing clear and professional evidence of their experiences and mental health needs.
With 15 years of experience in completing comprehensive clinical evaluations (sometimes called psychological evaluations), Alicia specializes in assisting immigrants seeking asylum and hardship waivers. She has completed advanced training in medical forensic evaluations with Physicians for Human Rights. Her expertise lies in crafting detailed and compelling assessments that vividly bring the client's story to life, ensuring a professional, objective, and empathetic representation of their experiences. She produces thorough and persuasive reports that support clients' cases with clarity and compassion. She has particular strengths in working with children, adolescents, families, survivors of domestic violence, and survivors of trauma, which allows her to address their unique psychological needs and backgrounds effectively.
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Meetings in Janesville, WI or over video (client must be in WI)
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Payment plans available
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Credit cards accepted
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Interpreters available
Evaluations for the following types of applications
Asylum
Applying for asylum means seeking protection in another country because you have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country due to your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. This process involves demonstrating that returning to your home country would pose a serious threat to your safety and well-being.
U Visa
Applying for a U Visa means seeking legal status in the United States as a victim of certain crimes who has suffered substantial mental or physical abuse. This process involves demonstrating your cooperation with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity and proving that you meet specific eligibility requirements set by U.S. immigration laws.
Extreme Hardship
Applying for an extreme hardship waiver involves requesting an exemption from certain immigration penalties by demonstrating that denying the waiver would cause significant and undue hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member. This process requires providing substantial evidence of the severe emotional, financial, or medical difficulties that would result from the applicant's removal or denial of entry.
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
Applying for VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) means seeking legal status in the United States as a victim of domestic violence, abuse, or extreme cruelty perpetrated by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. This process involves demonstrating the abuse and proving the qualifying relationship to the abuser without needing their cooperation or knowledge.
T Visa
Applying for a T Visa means seeking protection and legal status in the United States as a victim of human trafficking. This process involves demonstrating that you have been a victim of trafficking, complying with reasonable law enforcement requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking, and showing that returning to your home country would result in extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm.
FAQs
Why are Immigration Evaluations useful?
Immigration mental health evaluations are essential as they provide a thorough and professional assessment of an individual's psychological state, crucial for supporting immigration cases. These evaluations offer compelling evidence of trauma, abuse, or hardship, helping to substantiate claims for T Visas, U Visas, Asylum, Hardship waivers, and VAWA petitions. By documenting the mental health impact of their experiences, these evaluations lend credibility to the applicants' narratives, often making a significant difference in the outcome of their cases. They not only help immigration authorities understand the emotional and psychological challenges faced by applicants but also ensure that those who have endured severe adversity receive the compassionate consideration they deserve.
How do Immigration Evaluations work?
Immigration mental health evaluations involve a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional, focusing on the individual's psychological state and history of trauma or hardship. Through in-depth interviews and standardized psychological testing, the evaluator gathers detailed information to document the emotional and mental health impact of the applicant's experiences. The findings are then compiled into a formal report, providing crucial evidence to support the immigration case. Reports typically take 3 weeks to complete.
How much will it cost?
The cost for this type of evaluation is a flat fee of $1,350. This includes up to two hours of interviews, review of assessment tools and other information provided, and writing the evaluation.
How do I know if I need an Immigration Evaluation?
You might need an immigration mental health evaluation if your immigration case involves claims of trauma, persecution, abuse, or extreme hardship. If your application is for a T Visa, U Visa, Asylum, Hardship waiver, or under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and requires documentation of psychological impact, an evaluation can provide essential support. Consulting with your attorney can help determine if this type of evaluation is necessary for your specific situation.
What will an Immigration Evaluation do for my case?
An immigration mental health evaluation can significantly strengthen an immigration case by providing detailed, professional documentation of the psychological impact of the applicant's experiences. This evaluation can corroborate claims of trauma, abuse, or hardship, lending credibility and depth to the applicant's narrative. By presenting clear evidence of mental health conditions resulting from past events, the evaluation can influence decision-makers to offer the necessary legal protections and support.