Deconstructing the Legal Process for the Immigrant Population in the United States: Ethical Implications for Mental Health Professionals

In 2014, approximately one million individuals were granted legal permanent residence in the U.S., over 650,000 became naturalized citizens, and about 180 million foreign-born individuals were granted entrance into the United States on the condition of temporary status. Although the literature has been saturated with the mental health needs of this population, many mental health professionals lack knowledge of the legal process of receiving Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status, the restrictions on various U.S. visa types, and related pressures that impact mental health among individuals and families. The purpose of this paper is to inform mental health professionals of the LPR process and restrictions on nonimmigrant visas along with mental health implications for families and individuals whom are on their journey towards LPR. Future research may include the discussion of specific mental health needs among various immigrant groups in relation to the controversial legal process. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.