I am getting a head start on Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s so important. Particularly in these incredibly chaotic times.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the challenges that affect both attorneys and their clients—particularly in the (unnecessarily, I would argue) high-stress world of immigration law. Immigration policies often shift dramatically between presidential administrations, but few transitions have been as stark as the one that occurred in January of this year. The renewed very political focus on immigration in Washington, D.C., has left many immigrants and their families deeply concerned about what lies ahead. At the same time, attorneys who practice immigration law, especially those who practice in humanitarian immigration fields, find themselves under enormous pressure, balancing the legal and emotional needs of their clients while safeguarding their own well-being.
A New Era of Immigration Policy, A Renewed Emotional Toll
During Trump 1.0, immigration policies became significantly stricter, with measures such as the “zero-tolerance” policy, increased deportations, and efforts to eliminate protections like DACA. Now, as similar, and arguably even more restrictive, policies return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, led in the darkness once again by Stephen Miller, the president’s Minion in Chief, immigrants may experience longer wait times, more application denials, and heightened enforcement actions in the years ahead.
For immigrants, the stress of navigating an uncertain legal landscape is immense. The fear of deportation, the possibility of family separation, and the uncertainty surrounding work authorization can take a heavy emotional toll. But this stress isn’t limited to immigrants alone. Attorneys who dedicate their careers to guiding clients through these obstacles often experience what is known as secondary traumatic stress (sometimes called “vicarious trauma” or “compassion fatigue”). This happens when lawyers absorb their clients’ pain—hearing story after story of persecution, violence, or family hardship.
The Mental and Emotional Toll for Clients and Attorneys
Immigrants often endure trauma before they even step foot in the United States, whether they are fleeing persecution, violence, natural disasters, or war. These individuals may struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, making it even harder to recount their stories for asylum applications, crime victim visas, or deportation defense cases. Even seemingly routine immigration matters, such as applying for a work permit renewal, can create extreme stress for clients whose livelihoods depend on it.
For immigration attorneys, the work is relentless. We aren’t just managing caseloads; we are dealing with deeply personal and often heartbreaking narratives, all while navigating a bureaucratic system that can be frustratingly slow and indifferent. Lawyers who work with trauma survivors often experience burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the very real effects of secondary trauma. It’s not just about handling complex legal issues; it’s about carrying the weight of our clients’ fears and struggles.
Building Resilience and Prioritizing Mental Health
My wife always tells me, “You should try some breathing exercises.” She’s right. Whether we are attorneys or immigrants, we need to recognize the importance of taking care of ourselves.
For immigrants, this means understanding that mental health support is a crucial part of the immigration journey. Research shows that immigrants are often resilient, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need help. Seeking both legal and emotional support can make the process more manageable and improve overall well-being. A knowledgeable and competent immigration attorney can help reduce legal uncertainty, allowing immigrants to focus more fully on their mental and emotional health.
For attorneys, self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Immigration lawyers and other victim advocates must recognize the signs of burnout and secondary trauma before they become overwhelming. Many resources exist for lawyers facing stress-related health issues, including mental health counseling, support groups, and mindfulness techniques. The key is to identify stressors, manage them effectively, and build resilience for the challenges that cannot be changed.
Moving Forward with Strength and Support
If you are an immigrant concerned about your legal status or future under Trump 2.0, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. The right attorney can help you take proactive steps to secure your status, protect your rights, and move forward with greater confidence during these uncertain times.
If you are an immigration attorney, don’t ignore the toll this work takes on your mental and emotional health. You cannot effectively advocate for your clients if you are running on empty. Take care of yourself as well as you take care of them.
We all need support, whether navigating the immigration system or guiding others through it. Let’s recognize the importance of mental health (yours, mine, all of ours), not just in the month of May, but every day.