If you or a loved one is facing the possibility of deportation

In an extreme psychological hardship case, a citizen or resident of the United States applies for the immigration waiver because the deportation of a family member will cause extreme hardship for themselves or their family. It's important to remember that that deportation will cause hardship to the family (e.g. spouse, children, or parents) rather than to the individual that may be deported. The negative impact of deportation such as job loss or separation of parents from small children are considered "typical" hardships in the eyes of the court.

A U-Visa is a type of visa that may be granted to an undocumented individual living in the U.S. if they can demonstrate that they have experienced substantial mental or physical abuse due to being a victim of a serious crime that occurred in the U.S. A psychological evaluation can help establish how the crime has mentally impacted an individual. Serious crimes include domestic violence, sexual abuse, rape, murder, torture, kidnapping, physical assault, armed robbery, and stalking.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides immigration benefits to individuals who have been victims of abuse from their U.S. citizen spouse or children. If an individual is undocumented, married to a U.S. citizen, or has U.S. citizen children and has experienced domestic abuse, they may be eligible for permanent residency in the U.S. A psychological evaluation can help assess the psychological impact of abuse, which is crucial in the immigration process. This provision in VAWA aims to offer support and protection to those who have suffered from domestic violence and are looking to start anew in the United States.