This is not legal advice
We are a mental health center, not a law firm. This notice is informational only. For decisions about your specific case, always consult your immigration attorney.
What changed in 2026
Since December 2025, USCIS updated its policy guidance for self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The changes are significant: the agency can now consider information provided by the abuser when evaluating your petition, without requiring independent corroboration, and removed prior confidentiality protections during the process. The burden of documentary proof you must present has also been tightened.
On top of this, there is a change in deferred action policy: for applications filed since May 8, 2026, USCIS can use virtually any factor to deny the case, even when it was previously approved more consistently.
In parallel, USCIS opened new asylum offices in Atlanta and San Antonio to address the accumulated backlog, which means more active processing but also greater scrutiny in interviews.
Who is affected
These changes directly impact domestic violence survivors seeking to self-petition under VAWA, individuals with U-Visa or hardship cases that depend on strong psychological evidence, and those with asylum or deferred action cases pending or about to be filed.
- Abuse survivors considering a VAWA self-petition
- Individuals with U-Visa cases or extreme hardship waivers
- Asylum applicants with upcoming or pending interviews
- Those who already have a deferred action application in process
Why your psychological evaluation matters more than ever
With greater scrutiny and a higher burden of proof, the quality and strength of your clinical documentation becomes a central piece of your case. A well-founded, clear, court-ready psychological evaluation gives your attorney solid evidence to respond to this new level of demand.
At Happy Autumn we focus on that part
We conduct immigration psychological evaluations for asylum, VAWA, U-Visa and hardship cases. Your attorney handles the legal strategy; we document the clinical evidence of your story with the rigor this moment demands.
What you can do now
- Talk to your immigration attorney about how these changes apply to your specific case
- If your case depends on psychological evidence, schedule your evaluation in advance
- Keep relevant documentation and communication organized
- Do not make decisions based on rumors; confirm information with official sources
If you have questions about how a psychological evaluation can strengthen your case, tell us about you and let's talk.