Psychological Evaluations for Immigration

Spanish-Speaking Immigration Psychologist in New York

Dr. Giardino specializes in conducting forensic evaluations for immigration proceedings, including removal proceedings that involve extreme hardship to children or adults, domestic/spousal abuse waivers, evaluations for political asylum, and disability exemptions for U.S. citizenship. As a Spanish speaker, Dr. Giardino works with a wide range of cultural groups, including individuals from Mexico, Central America, and South America. He has partnered with several lawyers in private practice, the Legal Aid Society, and the Civil Liberties Union. He is a member of the Immigration & Human Rights Work Group at the NYU Postdoctoral Program, where he has helped lead trainings on psychological evaluations for immigrant families.

Why are Extreme Hardship Immigration Evaluations so important?

In removal proceedings, a psychological evaluation can be instrumental in demonstrating that the removal of an immigrant would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or resident family member. A thorough psychological report can document a family member’s need for emotional support, caretaking, and/or financial assistance. It can also be critical in predicting the impact of separation on the family member’s social and emotional functioning—for instance, the likelihood of severe psychiatric decompensation.

If you’re applying for an i-601a waiver, or if you have received a request for more evidence in support of your application, a psychological evaluation could be crucial to demonstrate the hardship your family would face amid a traumatic separation from a family member. A psychological evaluation can also help in instances in which a spouse or family member currently resides in another country (i.e., currently separated) and is deemed inadmissible to the United States (i-601 waiver). Contact me for a psychological evaluation in support of your i-601a or i-601 waiver.

New York Immigration Psychologist for Political Asylum Cases

Dr. Giardino has worked on numerous political asylum cases, helping to demonstrate how political persecution and/or violence in one’s home country can contribute to severe psychological distress. Dr. Giardino is a trauma expert with extensive training in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related conditions. Asylum evaluations typically include multiple clinical interviews and at times, neuropsychological testing, especially in cases in which an asylum seeker has suffered physical trauma (e.g., traumatic brain injury).

Psychological Evaluations for Immigration: Spousal Abuse Cases

Psychological evaluations are often critical in immigration cases involving domestic violence or spousal abuse, including verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed to protect women who have been victims of gender-based violence. An immigration psychologist can help to demonstrate the traumatic impact of abuse and need for ongoing treatment.

U Visa: Immigration Psychologist

Victims of crimes typically suffer from severe trauma and emotional distress. Dr. Giardino is available to examine the specific nature of an individual’s psychiatric difficulties and the impact on their current functioning. Immigration evaluations for U visas typically involve multiple clinical interviews, neuropsychological testing, and corroborative reports in instances of head trauma. An in-depth psychological evaluation can demonstrate the complexity of the trauma endured, helping an individual to secure status in the United States in order to gain safety and ongoing treatment.

Immigration Psychologist for Detainees in New York Area

Dr. Giardino has also conducted numerous immigration evaluations for individuals in detainment. He is available in the New York metropolitan area for in-person evaluations, and at times can travel to detention centers. He has also conducted Skype interviews in instances where in-person evaluations are not possible. Dr. Giardino has assisted in cases with adolescents detained for minor crimes, helping to facilitate their prompt release and reunion with family members.

Experienced Forensic Evaluator

Dr. Giardino is an experienced forensic evaluator and is able to testify in immigration cases either in person or by phone. His testimony and comprehensive psychological reports have been used in numerous immigration proceedings and have often resulted in positive outcomes for individuals and their families. Dr. Giardino is devoted to human rights issues and is an active member of the Immigration and Human Rights Work Group at the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, a group that partners with the NYU Immigration Rights Clinic and Physicians for Human Rights. He has led trainings on psychological evaluations for immigration in conjunction with NYU. He also regularly works with the Legal Aid Society, the Civil Liberties Union, and immigration attorneys in private practice.