In this engaging discussion, Andy Strait, an immigration attorney and former public advocate, delves into the intersection of immigration policies and mental health. He highlights the pressing challenges immigrants face, including the impact of fear-driven policies on their wellbeing. Strait emphasizes the critical role therapists can play by offering pro bono evaluations and connecting clients with legal resources. Listeners gain valuable insights into the importance of legal representation and how therapists can create safe spaces for immigrant communities.
41:56
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Culture of Fear in Immigration
Immigration policies currently create a culture of fear impacting mental health across communities.
Therapists must understand the truth behind immigration to effectively support clients amid this fear.
insights INSIGHT
Shift in ICE Enforcement Focus
ICE enforcement targets mostly people with final removal orders and those at specific known addresses.
Enforcement recently expanded to include undocumented people without criminal records or removal orders.
insights INSIGHT
Border Status and System Overload
The US border is secure but overwhelmed due to broken asylum processing and Title 42 closures.
Immigration court faces enormous backlogs with too few judges, extending case durations dangerously.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
What Therapists Need to Know About Immigration: An interview with Andy Strait
Curt and Katie chat with Andy R. Strait, Esq., about immigration policies, mental health, and the role of therapists in supporting immigrant clients. They explore legal challenges, asylum cases, and the impact of fear-driven policies on mental health. Strait emphasizes the importance of legal representation, knowing one’s immigration status, and providing accurate resources. Therapists can help by offering pro bono evaluations, connecting clients with legal aid, and creating safe spaces for immigrant communities.
Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!
In this podcast episode, we talk about what therapists need to know about immigration
Immigration policies directly impact the mental health of both therapists and their clients. We asked Andy Strait, an immigration attorney and former public advocate, about the challenges immigrants face in the U.S. legal system, the role of therapists in supporting their clients, and practical steps therapists can take to provide assistance.
What do therapists need to know about immigration policies?
The lack of legal representation for immigrants and how this affects asylum outcomes.
How the culture of fear surrounding immigration policies affects mental health.
The importance of therapists providing accurate legal resources to clients.
The racial profiling and shifting demographic focus of ICE operations.
How therapists can help clients plan for potential deportation and protect their families.
How Therapists Can Support Clients Facing Immigration Challenges
Refer clients to legal experts by connecting with organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Survivors of Torture Network.
Consider offering pro bono psychological evaluations for asylum cases, as expert testimony is often crucial.
Help clients understand their rights and the importance of legal documentation.
Provide safe spaces for immigrants to process their fears and mental health struggles.
Be mindful of misinformation and educate clients using accurate, vetted sources.
Understanding the Realities of the Immigration System
The asylum process is complex and overburdened, leaving many without proper representation.
There is no right to an attorney for immigrants, making legal aid essential.
Immigrants and their families need proactive strategies to prepare for potential enforcement actions.
Therapists can play a critical role in reducing the stigma around seeking legal and mental health support.
Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:
The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy 