Provisional Pardon

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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that individuals applying for a hardship waiver (I601A) must present evidence that they would experience “extreme hardship” if their undocumented significant other is not allowed to remain in the U.S. The mere assertion of extreme hardship alone does not establish a credible claim. Individuals applying for a waiver of inadmissibility should provide sufficient evidence to support and substantiate assertions of extreme hardship to the qualifying relative(s), i.e., lawful permanent residents (LPRs) or U.S. citizens (whether through naturalization or birth). Dr. Jaime H. Cárcamo has over 20 years of  expertise conducting Psychological Evaluations for Immigration proceedings, determining and stablishing extreme hardships, which may include mental health diagnoses, pre-existing mental health conditions, psychological vulnerabilities, trauma history, suicide risk, medical, developmental and learning disabilities, impaired work, social/academic functioning, financial difficulties, and country conditions.

Immigration Psychology plays a fundamental role in waiving for economic hardship or applications for a provisional waiver for unlawful presence (I601A). As an immigration psychologist, I can help to:

Evaluate the impact of deportation:

  • Conduct interviews to understand the circumstances of the applicant and their family.

  • Assess the impact that deportation would have on the well-being of the applicant and their family members (including their mental health, education, work, and relationships).

  • Identify and document conditions in the country of origin that could put the applicant at risk if they were deported.

Prepare the waiver application:

  • Write detailed reports describing the impact of deportation.

  • Provide evidence to support claims of economic hardship or unlawful presence.

  • Collaborate with the applicant's attorney to develop a compelling legal strategy.

Testify in court:

  • Present expert testimony on the psychological effects of deportation.

  • Explain how the applicant's experiences make them particularly vulnerable to deportation.

  • Answer questions from the judge and lawyers about the psychological evaluation.


Psychology of Immigration and its Role in the Process of Waivers for Economic Hardship or Provisional Waiver for Unlawful Presence (I601A)