Immigration Evaluations in Wisconsin and Illinois
Are you, or a family member, facing an uncertain future? Are you afraid that you won’t be able to stay in the United States? Is it too dangerous to return to your home country? Or, do you fear what the future may hold if you’re separated from a family member? An immigration evaluation can provide valuable evidence to help support your case and get the outcome you hope for.
What is an Immigration Evaluation?
Your attorney may have asked you to complete an immigration evaluation (sometimes called a “psychological evaluation”) as part of your immigration case. An immigration evaluation is a psychosocial and diagnostic assessment. It includes documentation and supporting evidence of your family history, work history, and medical and psychological history to substantiate key legal issues in your immigration case.
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Services Offered
As a licensed mental health clinician, I provide immigration evaluations in the following types of cases for individuals in Illinois and Wisconsin:
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Extreme Hardship Waiver
For U.S. Citizens or lawful permanent residents who would suffer extreme hardship because of the removal of a family member.
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Spousal Abuse/Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
For undocumented spouses who have experienced emotional or physical abuse by their spouse who is a U.S. Citizen.
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U-Visa
For victims of violent crimes in the U.S. who have suffered mental or physical harm and are helping law enforcement with prosecution.
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T-Visa
For victims of human trafficking (and their immediate family) who have agreed to assist law enforcement with prosecution.
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Cancellation of Removal
For non-permanent residents in removal proceedings whose removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship.
Significantly Improve Your Chances for a Successful Outcome
Choosing to work with a licensed mental health clinician experienced in clinical assessment and immigration evaluations allows you to show evidence of psychological conditions and traumatic experiences that are at the foundation of your case.
A thorough evaluation can help you to show:
Evidence of the psychological impact of trauma or other events that are relevant to your case.
Documentation demonstrating that removal of an immigrant would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. Citizen or resident family member.
Evidence of a family member’s need for emotional support, physical care, and/or financial assistance.
The impact of separation on a family member’s social and emotional functioning.
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All Major Credit Cards Accepted
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Secure Video Appointments
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Payment Plan Available
Frequently Asked Questions
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Step 1: Your case will start with your attorney, who will guide you through the entire process from beginning to end. If you choose to work with me, I am available to talk with your attorney to understand your case, the timeline, and any details that might be important for me to know before we meet.
Step 2: I’ll send you a questionnaire and assessments to help us get started.
Step 3: Over a period of 2-3 weeks, we will plan to meet twice for about 60 - 90 minutes each time. During these meetings we’ll talk about your situation and I’ll complete a diagnostic interview.
In addition to our meetings, I may ask to speak with family members or others who can help me gather information that could be helpful for the evaluation.
Step 4: The written evaluation generally takes about two weeks to complete after our last meeting. The final document is then transmitted to you and your attorney.
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The fee for an immigration evaluation is $1,200. This includes analysis of validated assessments, two clinical interviews totaling 2-4 hours, communication with your attorney and other sources if needed, review of all relevant documents, a thorough evaluation, and the final written report (12 - 15 pages in length), which will be provided to you and your attorney. Payment plans are available upon request.
If the evaluation requires expedited service (available with two weeks lead time), live court testimony, or use of an interpreter, additional fees apply.
To learn more or to schedule an evaluation, please contact me for a free, 15-minute initial consultation. Please note that health insurance plans do not cover the cost of an immigration evaluation.
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In most cases, interviews take place through an online video platform. You will need to have a private place and a good internet connection for these meetings. It is also required that you be physically present within the state (Wisconsin or Illinois).
If you prefer, in-person interviews are also available at my office in Appleton, Wisconsin.
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Talk with your attorney about your options. Sometimes it may be possible for you to go to your attorney’s office for our interviews. I also conduct interviews in-person in my office, which is located in Appleton, Wisconsin.
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Yes, I have experience working with interpreters. If you do not already have a trained interpreter available, I can help with making these arrangements. If you use an interpreter, you should ask your attorney if they need to be a “certified court interpreter.”
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It depends. Based on the needs of your case, I might request additional interviews with family members or others. I will discuss this with you and/or your attorney before any additional meetings are scheduled.
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It depends. If your attorney would like to speak with me, I am available to do so. Occasionally it can be helpful for me to contact your attorney for additional information about your case.
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Yes, my practice is welcoming and affirming of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
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I have some unique characteristics that may be hard to find in other evaluators, including:
Trauma-certified clinician with knowledge and experience of the complex ways that trauma and difficult life experiences impact a person’s emotional, cognitive, and social functioning.
Former lawyer who can understand and consider the important legal aspects of your case.
Extensive experience as an interviewer and investigator.
LGBTQIA+ affirming and experienced in working with diverse members of this community.
Creation of a thorough written evaluation (12 - 15 pages) that includes assessment of psychological factors, results of a mental status examination and scales, DSM-V diagnosis, implications for your case, and recommendations.
