Examining Asylum Seekers

A Health Professional's Guide to Medical and Psychological Evaluations of Torture

The Physicians for Human Rights Asylum Network is a group of several hundred health professionals who conduct pro bono physical and psychological evaluations of torture survivors and other persecuted people seeking asylum in the United States. In existence for more than a decade, the Network's volunteers have testified and provided affidavits in support of countless applicants, contributing to the successful granting of asylum to more than 90% of the cases they undertake.

This manual is intended to provide medical professionals with the information necessary to conduct these potentially life-saving evaluations. It includes an overview of political asylum law and procedure in the United States, explains the physician's role in verifying signs and symptoms consistent with torture, and reviews components of appropriate written and oral medical testimony. The manual is designed to be a resource for newcomers to asylum evaluations as well as veterans with questions on specific issues.

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