A mental health professional sits down with the asylum-seeker and talks to them about their experiences. Through this interview, the professional assesses the asylum-seeker’s mental state to draft a report on the legitimacy of the person’s fear of returning to their country of origin. It is this fear that legally determines whether a person receives asylum.

One study found that people whose cases were supported by a psychological evaluation were more than twice as likely to be granted asylum, compared to the national average. Shouldn’t everyone fleeing danger have this opportunity?

Sadly, the evaluation is not a part of the government’s standard assessment of an asylum application. Instead, asylum-seekers have to be aware these evaluations exist and then come up with the money to pay for one unless they can find a pro bono option.

At IROC, we believe this is unjust. Access to this simple service could literally save a life. That’s why we are asking for your help. Can you donate to our fund to cover asylum-seekers’ evaluations?

People escaping danger need more support than ever. They trust IROC to care for them and act in their best interest, but we need the support of our amazing community to protect them. Show asylum-seekers that they are welcome and valued by contributing to the evaluation fund!