What are Immigration Evaluations?

Immigration evaluations are mental health assessments completed by licensed professionals to help with immigration cases. Often recommended or required by attorneys, these evaluations provide important information about a person's mental health and how their experiences have affected them, which can impact the decision in their immigration process. 

Research shows that having an immigration evaluation can greatly increase the chances of a positive outcome. One study comparing asylum seekers who received medical evaluations between 2000 and 2004 revealed that 89% of these applicants were granted asylum, compared to only 37.5% of those who did not receive a medical evaluation (Lustig et al., 2008). This research shows how important these evaluations can be in immigration cases, especially when someone has experienced mistreatment or hardship.

During the evaluation, applicants may be assessed for a range of psychological disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, and other emotional or behavioral difficulties. These assessments help show how trauma or difficult experiences have affected the person’s mental and emotional health, which can be a key factor in legal decisions regarding asylum, hardship waivers, and other immigration statuses.

Our Services

We offer a range of immigration evaluations to help support your case. Whether you’re seeking asylum, facing deportation, or applying for specialized visas, we’re here to provide expert mental health assessments that can make a difference in your immigration proceedings.

Hardship Immigration Evaluations (I-601)

These evaluations are designed to document extreme hardship as part of the immigration process. We work closely with individuals and their families to assess the physical, emotional, financial, and psychological hardships they may face if they are separated from loved ones or forced to return to their home country.

U-Visa Immigration Evaluations

The U-Visa is available for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of physical and mental abuse. Our evaluations document the lasting psychological effects of these experiences, supporting your case by demonstrating the severe impact of the trauma. U-Visa applicants must also be willing to assist law enforcement in prosecuting criminal activities.

VAWA Immigration Evaluations

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows abused partners to petition for immigration status independently of their abusive family members. We conduct evaluations that explore the psychological trauma caused by domestic violence, helping to build a strong case for victims seeking protection and independence.

Political Asylum Evaluations

People seeking asylum in the U.S. often face persecution or the threat of harm in their home countries. Our evaluations document any psychological trauma related to these fears, helping to strengthen your case by illustrating the emotional and mental impact of your experiences.

T-Visa Immigration Evaluations

The T-Visa is granted to survivors of severe human trafficking. We provide detailed evaluations of the trauma endured by victims and work to support their applications for legal status in the U.S. for up to four years.

Cancellation of Removal Immigration Evaluations

If you or a family member is facing deportation, we offer cancellation of removal evaluations to petition the court for an adjustment of status. Our evaluations provide detailed assessments of how deportation may cause extreme hardship for you and your family, helping build a case for permanent residency.

About Dr. Saja Almusawi, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Founder
Growing up in a diverse immigrant and refugee community, Dr. Almusawi has witnessed firsthand the struggles many individuals face when starting over in a new country. Having watched her own family’s journey as refugees, she understands the courage it takes to escape danger, leave everything behind, and build a new life in an unfamiliar place. Her personal experiences as the daughter of refugees inspire her to help others navigating similar challenges today.

Dr. Almusawi brings over seven years of clinical experience in psychology, focusing on trauma treatment, assessment, and consultation. She completed her training in Detroit, Michigan, followed by two years of internship and postdoctoral work at the Yale Child Study Center, Department of Child Psychiatry for the Yale School of Medicine, where she specialized in trauma. Her background includes work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and psychiatric facilities, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams of psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and other professionals.

She received the prestigious Viola Bernard Social Justice and Health Equity Fellowship, recognizing her commitment to addressing mental health disparities through social justice initiatives and promoting health equity for underrepresented populations. Dr. Almusawi has also engaged in initiatives that prioritize cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care, particularly for underserved communities and immigrants. Her goal is to provide empirically based and culturally informed interventions, ensuring that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds receive the respectful and effective care they deserve.

At Unity Mental Health and Evaluation Services, Dr. Almusawi aims to provide compassionate, thorough, and culturally sensitive evaluations to individuals facing life-changing decisions in their immigration process. Her evaluations reflect a deep understanding of trauma and its impacts, ensuring that each applicant’s story is carefully heard and documented.

The Evaluation Process

We understand that discussing personal experiences, especially those involving trauma, can feel intimidating. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable, supported, and heard throughout the process.

During your evaluation, we will:

• Review essential documents, such as medical and therapeutic records

• Conduct a one-on-one interview to discuss your personal and family history

• Perform psychological tests, assessing for any signs of psychological or emotional distress

• Document symptoms related to any diagnosed mental health disorders using the DSM-5, when applicable

• Capture the hardships endured and the psychological impact on you and your loved ones by combining insights from clinical interviews and psychological tests to produce an effective report

Selecting a licensed, experienced professional is essential, as immigration applications are often denied due to incomplete or insufficient mental health assessments. We will work to ensure that your case is represented thoroughly and accurately.

What Will an Immigration Evaluation Do for My Case?

Immigration evaluations can be a deciding factor in the success of your case. These assessments provide a detailed psychological narrative that attorneys can use to strengthen their argument in court. Evaluations can help demonstrate the severity of hardships faced, such as mental health conditions stemming from trauma or persecution, or the potential harm that may occur if you are separated from family or returned to your country of origin.

A well-crafted evaluation report can be the evidence needed to secure a positive outcome for you and your family, allowing you to escape dangerous circumstances or avoid being deported. Attorneys rely on psychotherapists like Dr. Saja Almusawi to deliver a comprehensive history of the client’s mental health, which can be pivotal in proving extreme hardship or psychological distress.