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Located in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) & Service the State of Texas, United States

(956) 410-0388

(956) 410-0388

  • Home
  • EXTREME HARDSHIP WAIVERS
  • VAWA Assessements
  • Asylum Seekers
  • U-Visa / T-Visa
  • FAQ
  • Biography
  • Licenses
  • More
    • Home
    • EXTREME HARDSHIP WAIVERS
    • VAWA Assessements
    • Asylum Seekers
    • U-Visa / T-Visa
    • FAQ
    • Biography
    • Licenses

EN

  • Home
  • EXTREME HARDSHIP WAIVERS
  • VAWA Assessements
  • Asylum Seekers
  • U-Visa / T-Visa
  • FAQ
  • Biography
  • Licenses

Extreme Hardship Immigration Evaluations in Texas

Proving "Extreme Hardship" with Expert Psychological Evidence

If you are applying for an I-601 or I-601A waiver, you know that the burden of proof is high. To succeed, you must demonstrate that your departure would cause "extreme hardship" to a qualifying relative who is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.


While financial and medical factors are important, a Hardship Immigration Evaluation provides the clinical depth needed to document the emotional and psychological impact of family separation.

How a Psychological Evaluation Strengthens Your Case

A standard statement is not always enough for USCIS.  My  evaluations provide a professional third-party clinical perspective on:

 

  • Existing Mental Health Conditions by documenting current existing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) and how separation would exacerbate  this conditions.
  • Caregiver Dynamics by noting the psychological impact on a spouse or parent who relies on you for emotional stability.
  • Special Needs by documenting how separation affects qualifying relatives with developmental or chronic health issues.
  • The "Multiplying Effect" by recording how the combination of several stressors creates a situation of extreme hardship.


What to Expect During the Assessment

I strive to make this process as stress-free as possible for families in the Rio Grande Valley and across Texas.


  1. Clinical Interviews are usually completed in one day and consist of  multiple sessions with breaks via secure telehealth where we discuss your family history and current situation.
  2. Standardized Testing consist of validated psychological tools in English or Spanish to provide objective data for your evaluation when needed.
  3. Attorney Coordination: I am happy to consult with your legal team to ensure the report addresses the specific nuances of your legal strategy.
  4. Final Report consists of a comprehensive 6-10 page clinical document (psychological evaluation report) ready for submission to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

Serving McAllen, Brownsville, and All of Texas

While I am located in Edinburg in RGV (the Rio Grande Valley), which also consists of  Mission, Harlingen, and Laredo, my Texas licensure allows me to conduct these evaluations for anyone living in the state. Whether you are in the South Texas borderlands or deep in North Texas, you receive the same specialized, local expertise.  

                                                                         Frequently Asked Questions 

I understand that immigration deadlines are urgent, so I offer expedited hardship evaluations for clients in the Rio Grande Valley and across Texas who have upcoming USCIS  appointments.   Reports usually are ready on the same day of the evaluation.  


In an I-601 or I-601A case, the evaluation focuses on the qualifying relative (the U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident spouse, parent, or adult child). I conduct deep clinical interviews with them to document the emotional, medical, and psychological "extreme hardship" they would suffer if their loved one were denied entry or removed from the United States. 


Yes. For families all over Texas, including McAllen, Brownsville, and Laredo, it is vital to share your story in the language you are most comfortable with. I provide culturally competent, bilingual assessments to ensure that no detail of your family’s hardship is lost in translation,  via secure telehealth.  


 © 2026 Norma Salazar-Cortez, M.A., LPA, LPC  -  LPA License Number 32727 - Providing Immigration Psychological Evaluations for the Rio Grande Valley and Statewide via Telehealth 

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