Mental depression: A risk for those seeking adjustment of status

On Behalf of | Apr 26, 2019 | Adjustment Of Status |

Many Florida immigrants made long, arduous journeys to the United States before settling here. Some people pass through ports of entry with all their paperwork in order, while others seek an immediate adjustment of status by requesting asylum at a U.S. border. Those who do are typically placed in detention until immigration officials process their cases.

Current data shows that asylum seekers in detention are at great risk for mental depression, as well as many physical illnesses. Any immigrant who has been detained in the United States has a right to due process under the law. Detention centers are often crowded, and health care visits made by licensed medical professionals reportedly don’t occur often. When they do, it is only to spend a few minutes with each patient.

Poor living conditions coupled with the emotional trauma of escaping countries of origin where they suffered persecution or violence understandably causes many detainees tremendous mental anxiety and depression. One man recently told reporters that he really had no choice but to leave his homeland and come to the United States to try to make a better life for himself and his family because they could not survive on the wages he was paid in their country of origin. He is currently living in a tent outside a shelter after hiking and hitchhiking his way to America.

Those seeking adjustment of status through asylum in the United States have no guarantee that their requests will be granted. However, they do have rights. Any man or woman currently trying to overcome legal issues associated with asylum or other immigration issues in Florida may reach out for support by requesting a meeting with an experienced immigration law attorney.

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