U Visa
The U nonimmigrant status (U Visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. It is most common that the individual has developed psychological problems as a result of the abuse, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), severe anxiety, and/or depression.
All psychological evaluations include an assessment of abuse and trauma, as these are risk factors for emotional hardship and it helps to establish the severity and longstanding nature of the mental health issues. A history of trauma and/or pre-existing mental health conditions helps document that the person has mental health vulnerabilities that are not related to the immigration problems. At Queens Psychotherapy LCSW P.C., we are guided by case-law and legal standards and work with our clients to identify hardships within numerous categories (i.e., finances, housing, medical needs, academic issues, suicide risk, country conditions, etc.). Then, we assess the impact that these hardships have on emotional and social adjustment. |