Immigration has a significant impact on many aspects of life in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, there were 44.8 million foreign-born people living in the United States in 2018 -- a record 13.7% of the population and a portion that has more than quadrupled since the 1960s. With such high numbers, it is not uncommon for a mental health professional to receive a request to assist an individual involved in some type of immigration proceeding.

This presentation will give a general overview of the different types of immigration cases where mental health professionals might be helpful and the different ways clinicians can assist this often disempowered diverse population.

Learning Objectives: 1. List five different immigration statuses

2. Describe six different types of humanitarian relief for undocumented immigrants

3. Explain how a mental health professional can be helpful in immigration proceedings

4. Identify the psycho-legal question underlying each type of case