IMMIGRATION

T Visa

We are advocates of justice. As social or human service providers whose main goal is to improve our patients’ mental health, we feel an obligation to support human traffic victims. Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, the U.S. government provides relief to victims of human trafficking and allows them to remain in the United States to assist in the investigations or prosecutions of human trafficking violators. A T-Visa grants temporary immigration benefits to those victims and their immediate families so that they can remain in the United States for up to four years if they agree to assist law enforcement in testifying against their perpetrators.

Severe Form Of Trafficking

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services defines “severe form of trafficking in persons” as follows:

Sex trafficking: ‘When someone recruits, harbors, transports, provides, solicits, patronizes, or obtains a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, where the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or the person being induced to perform such act is under 18 years of age;’ or
Labor trafficking: ‘When someone recruits, harbors, transports, provides, or obtains a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.’

To be eligible for a T Visa, the victim must have (1) endured a severe form of trafficking as defined above, (2) reside in the United States, (3) be willing o assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking, (4) demonstrate that they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and several harm if they were removed from the United States, and (5) be admissible to the United States or be eligible for a waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility.

Psychological Factor

Many victims of human trafficking to develop mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress (PTSD). A psychological evaluation can help create a case on how the crime mentally impacted the victim and how they will endure unusual or severe harm if they were deported from the U.S. The evaluation often includes in-depth interviews over the course of 3 to 4 meetings where information is gathered regarding the victim’s personal and family history, work history, medical and psychiatric history, and immigration status as they pertain to the case. This is followed by the administration of psychological tests that asses the victim’s mental status, personality, psychological state, violent behavior and tendencies, cognitive/intelligence, and malingered symptoms.

Our therapists will answer any questions you may have during the process. They have been trained to use culturally sensitive methods to ease your symptoms and help you cope with any uncomfortable feelings you may experience during the evaluation process.

The Process

Interviews -> Administration Of Psychological Tests -> Consultation With Attorney -> Review Of Supporting Documents -> Report

Cost

$2500+ (report included)

Length

Approximately 4-5 hours

REPORT

Generally, 10-15p long

TURN-AROUND TIME

14-21 days to complete

REQUIREMENTS

Any supportive document

Expert Witness: We reserve the right to charge a daily fee for testifying in court at a rate of $250/hour.

Call or Text: 910.777.5575 of you have any questions.

Schedule An Appointment