Lawyer introduction:
My name is Coleman Jackson and I am an attorney at Coleman Jackson, P.C., a tax, litigation and immigration law firm based in Dallas, Texas. In addition to me, we have a paralegal, Leiliane Godeiro, paralegals, Ayesha Jain and Mlaah Singh, and administrative assistant, Michelle Gutierrez. On today’s “Legal Thoughts” podcast, our paralegal, Mlaah Singh, will be interviewing me and my guest, Ana Marcela Rodríguez, a mental health professional at Therapy Works Counseling, as we discuss the law, mental health, and psychology as it affects those seeking legal services. This is a series of podcasts:
The first podcast in this series is “Immigration and Trauma” The second podcast in this series is “Violence Against Women (Domestic Violence and Immigration)” The third podcast in this series is “Limited English Proficiency and Microaggressions in American Culture”
Interviewer introduction:
Hello everyone, my name is Mlaah Singh and I am a paralegal at the tax, contracts, litigation and immigration law firm of Coleman Jackson, Professional Corporation. Our law firm is located at 6060 North Central Expressway, Suite 620, right here in Dallas, Texas.
The importance of this podcast stems from the idea of awareness and understanding. The immigration process is not quick and it is not easy, therefore, it is important to recognize the mental, financial and emotional costs that this process entails. Today we will hear from Coleman Jackson, an immigration attorney, and Ana Marcela Rodríguez, a therapist who specializes in the psychological effects of immigration. Hearing both perspectives will help listeners receive a holistic view of the immigration processes. Hopefully this podcast can even resonate with listeners from diverse backgrounds.
Before we begin our questions about this important topic: “Immigration and Trauma.” I want to welcome our guest podcaster, where, right now, I'm going to ask her to introduce herself and tell our Legal Thoughts Podcasts audience about herself and her work in the mental health field.
Guest podcaster introduction:
Good afternoon everyone; My name is Ana Marcela Rodríguez. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Therapy Works Counseling, we specialize in bilingual counseling services and psychological evaluations for immigration. I'm excited to begin our first podcast in this series on mental health and the law.
Interviewer: Mlaah Singh, Legal Assistant
Thank you very much Ms. Marcela. I'm going to begin by asking Attorney Jackson a series of questions from the perspective of a practicing attorney; and then, I will turn around and ask Ms. Marcela a series of questions from the perspective of the mental health professional.
Question Number One for Attorney Jackson: So, Attorney Jackson, my first question is how do immigration laws affect the mental health of people navigating the immigration process in the United States, and what legal challenges do immigrants navigating the immigration process often face?
Attorney's Response: Coleman Jackson
Without excessive complications, simplification and generalization of the impacts of the immigration process on the mental health of an immigrant; Let me try to put immigration law in the United States into context. The immigration laws in the United States are complex, extremely intrusive, quite insensitive, and the immigration process can be extremely slow and very expensive.
The practice of immigration law requires relentless advocacy and an unwavering passion for justice; And legal advocates, at the same time, must possess and show immigrants and their families lots and lots of compassion and empathy.
The practice environment I just described affects the delivery of legal services because attorneys and their teams who advise and help immigrants navigate through the maze of American immigration law must be strong advocates and relentless encouragers. I'll close with these points: American immigration laws are filled with humanitarian provisions that benefit immigrants who are abused, fleeing persecution, fleeing disasters of all kinds, and those seeking a new beginning or new investment opportunities. These humanitarian and business opportunities also impact the mental health of immigrants, giving them hope where there seems to be none.
Interviewer: Mlaah Singh, Legal Assistant
I appreciate your sensitivity in answering this question. It is important to recognize that no two cases are the same and it is refreshing to hear an attorney express the same thought. Each immigrant has his or her own individual opportunity to obtain citizenship.
Question number two for Attorney Jackson:
My second question for you today, attorney, is through the broad lens of your professional legal career, can you highlight any examples where you have witnessed the effects of mental health trauma and stress on clients? What is the best way for legal professionals to address clients' mental stress?
Attorney's Response: Coleman Jackson
Well, without revealing any details about any particular client or clients, during the course of practicing immigration law, I have seen immigrants deal with a lot of uncertainty with dignity and grace. In those moments of stress and strain, I let them know that my law firm team and I care about them and that we are there to guide them through the immigration process. Stress and tension can present themselves in various ways; for example, immigrant clients who doubt their worth, questioning whether they are accepted or understood in the United States because immigrants are often forced to communicate extremely sensitive and complex information in English (a language that is not their native language). Some clients show burnout due to the extremely intrusive, lengthy, and incredibly expensive process. Other clients of our law firm have shown nervousness, trepidation, and even fear when faced with collecting certain types of documentation, such as police clearance reports; or by disclosing certain confidential information required to support your immigration petitions and applications.
Anxiety arises due to long waiting periods without any meaningful feedback while examiners process immigrants' petitions and applications. In recent years, processing times can last 36 to 72 months, often without updates or feedback from government adjudicators. In recent years, asylum seekers must wait more than six years for a hearing and many are often referred to Immigration Court for Asylum Officers to determine their final decisions after waiting more than six years for their hearing. The wait for an Immigration Court date could be another 3 to 5 years.
On many occasions, our compassionate and caring team has had to really encourage immigrants to take the next step, just stay the course and continue to provide information and documents that are sometimes difficult to obtain in some countries and very sensitive in other cultures. Don't give up and remain patient. That's a comment I often make to our immigrant clients and their families. Thank you for your patience; That's what I tell them often, trying to encourage them to continue the process and continue to be positive and hopeful.
The best way for legal professionals, in my opinion, to address the mental stress and tension of immigration clients is to demonstrate competence in the law, commitment to the client, and genuine concern for the outcome. The objective is to help the immigrant obtain the immigration benefit they are looking for. Competent attorneys must be fierce advocates for their clients, good listeners, and loyal encouragers. They should hire team members with similar qualities.
Interviewer: Mlaah Singh, Legal Assistant
It is certainly a considerable expense to begin with, therefore this country is grateful for lawyers like you who can fight for justice where justice is deserved. Most of these people just need one person to take a chance on them for their entire life to change.
From a legal perspective, attorney, how does the United States immigration system address the mental health needs or mental trauma of immigrants and their families seeking refuge in the United States or seeking a new life in the United States?
Attorney's Response: Coleman Jackson
The immigration laws of the United States do not directly address the mental health needs of immigrants specifically, but there are numerous provisions in the law that can provide relief and a way out for immigrants who are in the United States and are facing various types of stressful, cruel, inhumane domestic violence or other challenging situations that cause them mental anguish and pain; For example:
Various types of humanitarian exemptions for medical problems and health problems; Violence Against Women Act allowing immigrants abused by U.S. citizen children, parents, or spouses to self-petition and obtain a green card; U Crime Victim Status, which may be available to immigrants who are victims of certain crimes in the United States committed by any person; not only to relatives, but even to the violence of strangers; and; T visas for victims of human trafficking, which are sometimes available to victims of human trafficking.
Interviewer: Mlaah Singh, Legal Assistant
Thank you for your valuable responses, Mr. Jackson. Hopefully our listeners can benefit from learning about immigration from a legal perspective and even find answers in the context of their own activities with USCIS.
Now, Ms. Rodríguez, I would like to ask you, how does the immigration experience affect people's mental health and what are some of the common mental health problems that arise in this context?
Guest podcaster: Ana Marcela Rodríguez, Mental Health Professional
The immigration experience can have a profound impact on people's mental health. The stress and uncertainty associated with leaving one's home country and adapting to a new culture, language and way of life can lead to a variety of mental health problems. Some of the common mental health problems experienced by immigrants include:
1. Anxiety and depression: The stress of immigration, including language barriers, challenges finding employment, and navigating unfamiliar systems, can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. The loss of family support systems and social connections can also exacerbate these problems.
2. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Immigrants may have experienced traumatic events in their home country or during the immigration process, such as war, violence, or persecution. These experiences can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, which can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
3. Acculturation stress: The process of adapting to a new culture and society can be overwhelming and can lead to acculturation stress. Immigrants may have difficulty balancing their cultural heritage with pressures to assimilate into their new environment, leading to feelings of confusion, isolation, and identity conflict.
4. Social isolation and loneliness: Immigrants may face challenges building social connections and support networks in their new country, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Lack of social support can exacerbate other mental health problems and lead to a feeling of alienation and disconnection.
5. Discrimination and racism: Immigrants may face discrimination and racism in their new country, which can have a significant impact on their mental health. Experiences of bias and prejudice can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and a decreased sense of belonging.
6. Family stress: The immigration process can strain family dynamics, leading to conflicts and tensions within the family unit. Separation from loved ones, financial pressures, and adjustments to new family roles and responsibilities can contribute to family stress and affect immigrants' mental well-being.
Interviewer: Mlaah Singh, Legal Assistant
It seems that mental stress can arise from many specific cases and even take the form of various disorders. So, with such variation and so much room for mental health stresses to arise, how can mental health therapists and counselors help law firm clients facing immigration-related trauma, and what unique considerations come into play when working with this population?
Guest podcaster: Ana Marcela Rodríguez,
Mental Health Professional Mental health professionals can help address the unique challenges faced by people navigating the immigration system and coping with the impact of trauma. We need to be specialized and culturally competent to adequately support immigrant clients. Here are some of the ways mental health professionals can help law firm clients facing immigration-related trauma:
1. Provide trauma-informed care:
2. Culturally competent counseling:
3. Generate trust and security:
4. Address legal and emotional needs: Provide support in managing stress, anxiety and depression related to immigration processes, while also addressing the emotional impact of legal procedures and bureaucratic challenges.
5.- Provide coping strategies: Therapists can teach clients coping strategies and resilience-building skills to help them manage the stress and emotional impact of the immigration process. This may include techniques for managing anxiety, practicing self-care, and building a support network.
6. Collaboration with legal professionals: Collaborating with attorneys and legal professionals involved in the immigration case can ensure an integrated approach to address clients' comprehensive needs, combining legal expertise with mental health support.
7. Referrals to support services: Mental health professionals can connect clients with community resources.
Interviewer: Mlaah Singh, Legal Assistant
That is a very insightful answer. It is quite possible that most of the time, these people just need to be pointed in the right direction to take care of themselves through various avenues in the pursuit of citizenship. It may also be important for these issues to be raised within these legal proceedings if a person is not aware of what they are fighting.
Ms. Marcela, from your experience in canceling mental health in immigration matters, what are some cultural and systemic factors that contribute to the mental health challenges that immigrants face? And how can these concerns be addressed by immigrants themselves, and by attorneys who represent immigrants, advise immigrants, and advocate on behalf of immigrants and their families in the American legal system?
Guest podcaster: Ana Marcela Rodríguez, Mental Health Professional
Immigrants face numerous mental health challenges as a result of cultural and systemic factors. The acculturation process, difficulty obtaining healthcare resources, language barriers, discrimination, and the stress of adapting to new socioeconomic realities contribute to the mental health burden experienced by immigrants.
Culturally, immigrants may struggle with the clash of traditional values and beliefs with those of their new environment. This can lead to feelings of isolation and lack of belonging, leading to depression and anxiety. Systemically, immigrants often face limited access to mental health services due to financial limitations, lack of insurance, or health care disparities. Furthermore, discrimination and xenophobia can cause additional stress and trauma for immigrants, exacerbating their mental health problems.
As counselors, it is crucial to advocate for immigrants by promoting culturally sensitive and accessible mental health services. Raising awareness and advocating for policy changes to address health care disparities is essential to ensuring immigrants have adequate support for their mental health needs. Additionally, providing culturally competent therapy and support groups can help immigrants overcome the challenges they face while adjusting to a new culture. By advocating for immigrants, counselors can help move toward a more inclusive and equitable mental health system.
Interviewer: Mlaah Singh, Legal Assistant
I can certainly see where gaps in justice may arise in immigration matters. From the root of the problem and outward, there are also many stereotypes and prejudices that interfere with proper justice, especially with the enforcement of immigration laws. It is crucial that lawyers, and especially courts, be able to see that the American Dream promises to grant a pursuit of happiness to all, especially those who need it most. I would also like to point out that for immigrant or potential immigrant listeners, know that home is where the heart is and it is up to you and your own dreams to decide where to settle down and make a life for yourself.
My next question, Ms. Rodriguez, is how can mental health therapists and counselors potentially collaborate with legal professionals to provide holistic support to clients facing immigration issues, immigration issues, cultural issues, and related trauma?
Guest podcaster: Ana Marcela Rodríguez, Mental Health Professional
In various ways. First, mental health professionals can provide psychological evaluations and therapy to people facing the stress and trauma of the immigration process. They can also help address cultural adaptation and identity issues that arise from migration. Additionally, mental health professionals can offer group therapy and support to people who have experienced trauma related to immigration and displacement.
On the other hand, legal professionals can help clients navigate the complex legal processes related to immigration and migration. They can provide legal representation and advice to clients seeking asylum, residency or citizenship. Legal professionals can also advocate for immigrant rights and help with issues such as family reunification and employment authorization.
By collaborating, mental health professionals and legal professionals can ensure that clients receive comprehensive support that addresses both their legal and mental health needs. This approach can help people better cope with the challenges of immigration and migration and promote their general well-being and successful integration into their new communities. Interviewer:
Mlaah Singh, Legal Assistant
I certainly agree. Thank you Ms. Rodríguez. On behalf of our Legal Thoughts Podcast audience, I thank our attorney and our guest podcaster, Ana Marcela Rodríguez, a mental health professional at Therapy Works Counseling for sitting with me and answering my questions about immigration and trauma today. We plan to continue this podcast series in the near future with Episode Two: Violence Against Women Act Petitions and Episode Three: Limited English Proficiencies in American Culture.
Our listeners who want to hear more podcasts like this, please subscribe to our Legal Thoughts Podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcast. You can also read our law firm blogs on our website in English, Spanish and Portuguese by visiting our law firm's website, which is www.cjacksonlaw.com and selecting your preferred language. Take care everyone! And come back in about two weeks, for more tax, business structuring, contract litigation, and immigration Legal Thoughts from Coleman Jackson, P.C., located right here in Dallas, Texas at 6060 North Central Expressway, Suite 620, Dallas, Texas 75206.
Calls in English: 214-599-0431 | Calls in Spanish: 214-599-0432 | Calls in Portuguese: 214-272-3100
Attorney: Coleman Jackson
Thank you very much Ana for joining me today on our Legal Thoughts Podcast in Episode One, Immigration and Trauma. I also want to thank our Legal Thoughts Podcast audience for listening to us today.
Our listeners should stay tuned for future podcasts in this series in which Ana and I answer questions about the Violence Against Women Act's protections for immigrants who suffer inhumane and unfair treatment at the hands of a U.S. citizen parent, child, or spouse; and Episode 3 where we answer questions on the topic: Limited English Proficiency and Microaggressions in American Culture. As usual, we invite our audience to suggest topics and questions about matters they want answered in international, federal, state and local tax matters; contracts, litigation; and business, family and humanitarian immigration. You can read our blogs or contact us on our law firm website, which is www.therapyworkscounseling.com Navigate to English and Spanish using the language selection at the bottom of our law firm website.
