Latino youth may experience depression as a natural and valid response to the stressors they encounter in their social and physical environments. In addition to acculturation processes, racial discrimination at schools, and conflicting cultural identities, Latino youth may sometimes face additional stressors. Latino youth’s high rates of depression may be explained in part by these […]
Immigrants’ mental health is affected by a combination of factors, such as discrimination, acculturation, and immigration, which are particularly harmful to the Latino community in general, and particularly of those who may be more vulnerable, such as young children and teenagers. Including the factors contributing to the racial and ethnic disparities, the reality of the […]
The holidays are upon us, a wonderful time of year. Or are they? As an immigrant, most people are far from their family and friends abroad. It is hard not to feel lonely and sad during the holiday season when family and friendship values are the highlights of the celebration. Whether the relocation was voluntary, […]
Applying and going through the process of a U Visa can be overwhelming. There is a vast amount of information about the U Visa (see past U Visa-related blogs on this page), and the steps that you must follow to be able to one, be eligible, and two, be able to completely apply and get […]
Are you an immigrant who has been victimized by a crime? Did you call the police or assist other law enforcement with the investigation of the crime or prosecution of the perpetrators? If so, you may qualify for a U-Visa. If an immigrant has been the victim of criminal activity, assisted law enforcement, and meets […]
Although couched by an immigration lawyer, understanding an immigration waiver can be very hard and stress-inducing. What Is the role of law enforcement in the issue of a U Visa? A victim must submit a signed certification from a law enforcement official in order to qualify for a U visa. This certification (known as USCIS […]
Immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, who have been victims of serious crimes in the United States can qualify for the U visa type of immigration waiver. Among these crimes are, but are not limited to, sexual abuse, domestic violence, forced labor, sexual exploitation, kidnapping, trafficking, and rape. Any activity substantially similar to one of the listed […]
Immigration Clinical Evaluations provide information to immigration courts about whether an individual will be able to remain lawfully in the United States. A discussion with your attorney is the first step in the immigration evaluation process. As soon as your attorney suggests that you and/or other family members (e.g., a child, spouse) undergo a clinical […]
Green cards are typically obtained through family-based immigration, where a family member petitions for another family member. A person who has been abused by a family member can file a self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which forms the basis for their own lawful permanent residency application. What is self-petitioning and who can […]
There is a great deal of complexity surrounding immigration laws. This blog entry outlines some basic information about how domestic violence victims can obtain immigration benefits. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed by Congress in 1994, providing special immigration status for battered non-citizens. Basic eligibility requirements include being the spouse or child of a […]
