Hardship Immigration Letter Samples: Expert Guide & Examples

Hardship Letter Samples

1. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: I-130 Petition for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

   Dear USCIS Officer,

   I am writing this letter to express the extreme hardship that my [relationship to applicant], [Applicant’s Name], being deported would cause me. I am a U.S. citizen and his [wife/husband/mother/father/child].

   [Explain the emotional hardship, including any medical or psychological conditions that would be exacerbated by the deportation. Be specific and provide examples.]

   [Explain the financial hardship, including any reliance on the applicant for financial support, and the potential impact on your ability to support yourself or your family. Be specific and provide examples.]

   [Explain any other relevant hardships, such as the impact on your children, your ability to care for elderly parents, or any other unique circumstances. Be specific and provide examples.]

   I understand that the decision regarding [Applicant’s Name]’s immigration status is a serious one. I implore you to consider the extreme hardship that deporting him would cause me.

   Thank you for your time and consideration.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

2. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: I-485 Application for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

   Dear USCIS Officer,

   I am writing to express the profound hardship I would experience as a U.S. citizen if my [relationship] [Applicant’s Name], were denied adjustment of status and forced to leave the United States.

   [Describe the emotional devastation that would result from separation, focusing on the deep bond you share and the irreplaceable role they play in your life. Provide specific instances that illustrate this bond.]

   [Detail any financial dependencies, such as shared bills, mortgages, or businesses. Explain how their departure would affect your ability to meet these obligations and the potential for financial ruin.]

   [If applicable, describe any medical conditions you or your family members have that require their care. Emphasize the difficulty of finding alternative care and the potential for worsening health conditions if they were no longer present.]

   I respectfully request that you consider the extreme hardship that denying [Applicant’s Name]’s application would cause me. I believe that granting their adjustment of status is the only just and compassionate outcome.

   Thank you for your thorough review of my case.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

3. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: Waiver Application for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

   Dear USCIS Officer,

   This letter is to convey the immense hardship I, [Your Name], a U.S. citizen, would endure if [Applicant’s Name]’s waiver application is denied. [He/She] is my [relationship – e.g., spouse, child, parent], and our lives are deeply intertwined.

   [Elaborate on the psychological and emotional distress that would arise from [Applicant’s Name]’s absence. Mention feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Explain how this would impact your daily life and ability to function.]

   [Clearly outline the financial challenges that would arise. Address issues such as loss of income, increased expenses for childcare or healthcare, and the inability to maintain your current standard of living. Provide supporting documentation, if available.]

   [If applicable, describe any health-related hardships. Explain if you or a family member relies on [Applicant’s Name] for care, support, or medical assistance. Detail the impact of their absence on your health and well-being.]

   I plead that you carefully consider the devastating hardship that rejecting [Applicant’s Name]’s waiver application would cause. Granting this waiver would not only keep our family together but also prevent significant harm to my well-being.

   I am grateful for your time and consideration.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

4. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number] – Cancellation of Removal

   Dear Immigration Judge,

   I am writing to attest to the extreme and unusual hardship that my [relationship] [Applicant’s Name]’s removal would cause me, a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

   [Explain in detail the emotional and psychological consequences of their removal. Be specific about the depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness you would experience. Describe the disruption to your daily life and relationships.]

   [Provide a thorough account of the financial burdens that would arise. Include loss of income, increased expenses for travel and communication, and the difficulty of managing finances from afar. Provide supporting documentation if possible.]

   [If applicable, discuss any medical issues that would be exacerbated by their absence. Emphasize the need for their support and care, and the potential for your health to deteriorate without them.]

   I respectfully ask that you consider the extraordinary hardship that [Applicant’s Name]’s removal would inflict upon me. I believe that granting cancellation of removal is the only way to prevent irreparable harm and ensure my well-being.

   Thank you for your attention to this matter.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

5. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number] – Extreme Hardship

   Dear USCIS Officer,

   I am writing this letter to express the significant hardship my family and I would face if [Applicant’s Name], my [Relationship to Applicant] is not granted [Immigration Benefit Applying For].

   [Clearly state the emotional hardship, providing details of the daily emotional pain your family experiences due to the uncertain status of [Applicant’s Name]. Describe any specific symptoms or conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping) and how they impact your ability to work, study, or care for others. Mention any existing mental health diagnoses and how these might worsen.]

   [Specifically detail the financial challenges faced by the family. This could include the loss of [Applicant’s Name]’s income, increased living expenses due to reliance on others, or difficulty accessing public assistance programs. Provide any financial documents that support the statements.]

   [State any existing medical conditions and describe in specific detail the difficulties you may experience if they need to leave the US. Include the challenges of getting suitable healthcare in the applicant’s country. Explain how [Applicant’s Name] would not be able to afford and get suitable medical assistance.]

   I kindly ask you to take into consideration that sending [Applicant’s Name] back to his home country would create more hardship for my family. I am asking that you approve [Immigration Benefit Applying For].

   Thank you for your kind time and consideration.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

6. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: Application for Withholding of Removal for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

   Dear Immigration Judge,

   I am writing on behalf of my [relationship] [Applicant’s Name], to attest to the extreme hardship that would result if [he/she] is removed to [Country of Origin]. My name is [Your Name] and I am a [U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident].

   [Describe the emotional toll separation would take. Be specific: Would you suffer from depression, anxiety, or PTSD? Would you lose your ability to concentrate or care for other family members? Connect the hardship specifically to the *country condition* that prevents the applicant from returning, emphasizing the fear and anguish this causes.]

   [Outline the financial consequences of their removal. Would you lose their income? Would you need to sell your home or take on debt to support them from afar? Would you be unable to afford necessary medical care or other expenses? Be precise and realistic.]

   [If applicable, explain any medical hardships. Are you reliant on the applicant for care due to a disability or chronic illness? Would your health decline if they were no longer able to provide that care? Would it be difficult or impossible to access appropriate medical treatment without them?]

   I implore you to carefully consider the devastating consequences that removal would have on my life and well-being. I believe that granting withholding of removal is the only just and humane outcome in this case.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

7. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: I-601A Waiver Application for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

   Dear USCIS Officer,

   I am writing to explain the extreme hardship I, [Your Name], a United States citizen, would experience if my [Relationship to Applicant] [Applicant’s Name], is not granted an I-601A waiver and is unable to return to the United States.

   [Detail the emotional distress their absence would cause. Explain feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and despair. Describe how you would miss their companionship, support, and love. Provide specific examples of cherished moments or shared activities.]

   [Explain how their departure would impact your financial stability. Would you struggle to pay bills, rent, or mortgage? Would you need to rely on public assistance? Would you be forced to sell assets or take on debt? Provide specific numbers and documentation if possible.]

   [Describe any medical hardships that would arise. Would you be unable to care for yourself or other family members? Would you lose access to healthcare? Would your existing medical conditions worsen? Include details about your medical history and the applicant’s role in your care.]

   I respectfully request that you consider the profound hardship that denying the I-601A waiver would inflict upon me. Granting this waiver would allow my family to remain together and prevent irreparable harm.

   Thank you for your careful consideration.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

8. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: VAWA Petition for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

   Dear USCIS Officer,

   I am writing this letter in support of my VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petition. I am a victim of [Type of Abuse] by my [abusive spouse/parent/child], [Abuser’s Name]. My immigration status is deeply intertwined with my abuser, and denying my petition would cause me extreme hardship.

   [Explain the emotional and psychological damage you have suffered due to the abuse. Describe feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation. Explain how the abuse has impacted your self-esteem, mental health, and ability to function. Be as specific as possible without retraumatizing yourself.]

   [Detail any financial abuse you have experienced. Explain how your abuser has controlled your finances, prevented you from working, or stolen your money. Describe how denying your petition would leave you financially vulnerable and dependent on your abuser.]

   [Describe the physical and emotional harm you would suffer if forced to return to your country of origin. Explain the lack of support systems, the potential for further abuse, and the challenges of starting over in a new country without resources or connections.]

   I implore you to consider the devastating hardship that denying my VAWA petition would cause. Granting this petition would allow me to escape the cycle of abuse and build a safe and secure future for myself.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

9. [Date]
   USCIS Office
   Address

   Re: [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number] – Impact of Potential Deportation on Dependent Children

   Dear USCIS Officer,

   I am writing regarding the immigration case of [Applicant’s Name], who is the [Relationship to Applicant – e.g., father/mother/legal guardian] of my children, [Child 1’s Name] and [Child 2’s Name]. As a [U.S. Citizen/Legal Permanent Resident], I am deeply concerned about the extreme hardship that their [Relationship to Applicant]’s deportation would inflict on my children.

   [Explain the emotional impact on the children. Provide specific examples of how the children would suffer emotionally if [Applicant’s Name] were deported. Would they experience anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems? Would it impact their school performance? Would they require therapy or counseling? If so, explain how.]

   [Describe the financial consequences for the children. Would the family lose income, impacting the children’s access to food, housing, clothing, healthcare, or education? Be specific about the potential loss of resources and the impact on the children’s well-being.]

   [If applicable, discuss the potential impact on the children’s medical care. Does [Applicant’s Name] provide essential care or support for the children’s medical needs? Would their deportation jeopardize the children’s access to medical treatment or prescriptions?]

   I respectfully urge you to consider the devastating hardship that deporting [Applicant’s Name] would cause my children. Ensuring [his/her] continued presence in their lives is crucial for their well-being and development.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]

10. [Date]
    USCIS Office
    Address

    Re: [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number] – Impact of Potential Deportation on Elderly Parent

    Dear USCIS Officer,

    I am writing to express the profound hardship that my [Relationship to Applicant – e.g., son/daughter] [Applicant’s Name]’s potential deportation would have on me, [Your Name], a [U.S. Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident] and their elderly [Relationship to You – e.g., mother/father].

    [Describe the emotional toll separation would take on the parent. Detail their loneliness, depression, and anxiety if [Applicant’s Name] were no longer present. Mention any existing mental health conditions that would be exacerbated by the separation.]

    [Outline the financial dependence of the parent on the applicant. Does the applicant provide financial support for housing, food, medical care, or other essential needs? Explain how the loss of this support would impact the parent’s ability to maintain a basic standard of living.]

    [Detail the medical needs of the parent and the applicant’s role in providing care. Does the applicant help with medication management, transportation to appointments, personal hygiene, or other activities of daily living? Explain how the parent would be unable to meet these needs without the applicant’s assistance.]

    I respectfully request that you carefully consider the extreme hardship that deporting [Applicant’s Name] would cause me. I am entirely reliant on their support, and their absence would have a devastating impact on my health and well-being.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]

11. [Date]
    USCIS Office
    Address

    Re: U Visa Application for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

    Dear USCIS Officer,

    I am writing to attest to the extreme hardship I would face if [Applicant’s Name]’s U visa application is denied. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Relationship to Applicant – e.g., spouse, parent, child] of [Applicant’s Name], who is a victim of [Crime].

    [Describe the emotional and psychological trauma you have experienced as a result of the crime committed against [Applicant’s Name]. Be specific about your feelings of fear, anxiety, grief, and helplessness. Explain how this trauma has affected your daily life, relationships, and ability to function.]

    [Detail any financial difficulties you have faced due to the crime. Have you lost income, incurred medical expenses, or had to pay for counseling or therapy? Explain how denying the U visa would further strain your finances and make it difficult to meet your basic needs.]

    [If applicable, describe any medical hardships you have experienced as a result of the crime. Have you suffered any physical injuries or developed any medical conditions? Explain how the applicant’s presence and support have been crucial to your recovery.]

    I respectfully request that you consider the extreme hardship that denying [Applicant’s Name]’s U visa application would cause me. I am in desperate need of their support, and their absence would have a devastating impact on my life and well-being.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]

12. [Date]
    USCIS Office
    Address

    Re: Asylum Application for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

    Dear Immigration Judge,

    I am writing to express the extreme hardship that I, [Your Name], a [U.S. citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident] would experience if my [Relationship to Applicant], [Applicant’s Name], is denied asylum and forced to return to [Country of Origin].

    [Describe the emotional and psychological distress you would suffer if the applicant were returned to their country. Explain your fears for their safety and well-being, given the persecution they face. Be specific about your feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.]

    [Detail any financial hardship you would experience if the applicant were forced to leave. Would you be required to support them financially from afar? Would you lose their income, impacting your ability to pay bills or provide for your family? Be specific about the financial challenges you would face.]

    [If applicable, describe any medical hardships you would experience if the applicant were forced to leave. Do you rely on the applicant for care or support due to a disability or medical condition? Would your health be negatively impacted by their absence?]

    I implore you to carefully consider the extreme hardship that denying asylum would cause me. The safety and well-being of my [Relationship to Applicant] are of utmost importance, and their return to [Country of Origin] would have a devastating impact on my life.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]

13. [Date]
    USCIS Office
    Address

    Re: TPS Application for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

    Dear USCIS Officer,

    I am writing to express the extreme hardship that the termination of [Applicant’s Name]’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) would cause me. I am [Your Name], a [U.S. Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident] and the [Relationship to Applicant e.g., Spouse, Parent, Child] of [Applicant’s Name].

    [Detail the emotional impact on you and your family if the applicant’s TPS is terminated. Explain the feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that you are experiencing. Describe how the potential separation would affect your relationships, your mental health, and your ability to function.]

    [Outline the financial difficulties you would face if the applicant were no longer able to work in the United States. Explain how the loss of their income would impact your ability to pay for housing, food, healthcare, and other essential needs. Be specific about the financial challenges you would face.]

    [If applicable, describe any medical needs of yourself or your family that would be jeopardized by the applicant’s loss of TPS. Explain how the applicant’s presence and support are crucial to your health and well-being. Describe the difficulty of accessing affordable healthcare if the applicant were forced to return to their country of origin.]

    I respectfully request that you carefully consider the extreme hardship that the termination of [Applicant’s Name]’s TPS would cause me and my family. Maintaining their protected status is essential for our well-being and security.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]

14. [Date]
    USCIS Office
    Address

    Re: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number]

    Dear USCIS Officer,

    I am writing to support [Applicant’s Name]’s application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). I am [Your Name], and I am the [Your Relationship to Applicant – e.g., Foster Parent, Legal Guardian] of [Applicant’s Name]. Denying [Applicant’s Name] SIJS would result in extreme hardship.

    [Describe the abuse, neglect, or abandonment the applicant has suffered from their parents. Be specific about the details of their difficult home situation and why it is not safe for them to return.]

    [Explain why it would not be in the applicant’s best interest to return to their home country. Consider factors such as the lack of educational opportunities, the risk of violence or exploitation, and the absence of a stable and supportive family environment.]

    [Describe the emotional and psychological impact that returning to their home country would have on the applicant. Explain how it would disrupt their progress in school, damage their relationships, and exacerbate any existing mental health issues.]

    I urge you to carefully consider the extreme hardship that denying [Applicant’s Name] SIJS would cause. Granting this application is essential for their safety, well-being, and future success.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]

15. [Date]
    USCIS Office
    Address

    Re: [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number] – Supporting Documentation for Extreme Hardship

    Dear USCIS Officer,

    I am writing to provide additional information and supporting documentation regarding the extreme hardship that my [Relationship to Applicant – e.g., spouse/child/parent], [Applicant’s Name]’s, deportation would cause me, [Your Name]. I am a U.S. citizen and believe that the hardship I would face meets the legal standard for discretionary relief. This letter supplements my previous statement and provides further clarification.

    [Describe in more detail a specific emotional hardship mentioned in your previous letter, including any mental health diagnoses, therapy records, or doctor’s statements. Include any new or updated information that strengthens your claim. For example, “Since my last letter, I have been diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression as a direct result of the fear of [Applicant’s Name]’s deportation. Enclosed are copies of my diagnosis and treatment plan.”]

    [Provide additional supporting documentation for any financial hardships mentioned in your previous letter. This could include bank statements, tax returns, bills, or letters from employers. Include any new or updated information that strengthens your claim. For example, “Since my last letter, I have lost my job due to the stress and anxiety caused by the uncertainty of [Applicant’s Name]’s immigration status. Enclosed is a copy of my termination letter.”]

    [If applicable, include updated medical records, doctor’s letters, or other documentation that supports any medical hardships you would face. Highlight any new developments or changes in your medical condition that are relevant to the case. For example, “Since my last letter, my [medical condition] has worsened, and I require [Applicant’s Name]’s assistance with daily living activities. Enclosed is a letter from my doctor detailing my current medical condition and the necessity of [Applicant’s Name]’s support.”]

    I respectfully request that you carefully consider all of the evidence and information presented in my case. The extreme hardship that [Applicant’s Name]’s deportation would cause me is undeniable, and I believe that granting [him/her] discretionary relief is the right and just decision.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]
    Enclosures: [List of Enclosed Documents]

16. [Date]
    USCIS Office
    Address

    Re: [Applicant’s Name], A-[Applicant’s A-Number] – Lack of Viable Alternatives

    Dear USCIS Officer,

    I am writing to further emphasize the extreme hardship I would experience, as a [U.S. citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident], if my [Relationship to Applicant – e.g., spouse/child/parent] [Applicant’s Name] is deported. Specifically, I want to address the lack of viable alternatives and explain why relocating to [Applicant’s Home Country] is not a realistic or feasible option for me.

    [Explain the reasons why you cannot relocate to the applicant’s home country. This could include: Lack of job opportunities in your profession, Inability to speak the local language, Safety concerns due to political instability or crime, Medical conditions that cannot be adequately treated in that country, Responsibilities to other family members in the U.S., Loss of social support network.]

    [Provide specific examples and details to support your claims. For example, “As a licensed [Profession], I have researched job opportunities in [Applicant’s Home Country] and found that there is virtually no demand for my skills. Furthermore, I do not speak [Language], which is essential for working in that country.”]

    [Address any potential counterarguments or questions that USCIS might have about your ability to relocate. For example, “While I understand that some families choose to relocate to be with their loved ones, I have explored this option extensively and concluded that it would be detrimental to my health, well-being, and future prospects. It would also require me to abandon my responsibilities to my elderly parents, who rely on me for care.”]

    I respectfully urge you to consider the absence of viable alternatives and the significant hardship I would endure if I were forced to live apart from [Applicant’s Name]. Deporting [Applicant’s Name] would leave me with no realistic options and would have a devastating impact on my life.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]