Advocating for survivors of torture and abuse in south Florida: The human rights clinic of miami

Issues: One-sixth of asylum cases in the U.S. are decided in Miami. However, only 23% of Miami's asylum applications are successful. Systematic documentation of torture and abuse plays a critical role in substantiating an individual's asylum and/or immigration claims. Description: The Human Rights Clinic of Miami is a student-run clinic established in 2010. The purpose of the Clinic is to provide asylum seekers and immigrant communities with medical and psychiatric affidavits for their legal claims free of charge. Medical affidavits are written documentation of a healthcare professional's expert opinion regarding the consistency of the client's report with physical and psychological evidence of abuse. A team consisting of one medical student, one resident, and one attending physician performs each evaluation; the purpose of this physician-learner model is to create a continuous network of professionals trained to document torture and abuse. To date, the Clinic has provided evaluations to over 30 individuals. Additionally, an ongoing partnership enables the Clinic to register clients at a free primary care clinic where they can receive medical care to address other health needs. Lessons Learned: Asylum seekers who have medical affidavits are significantly more likely to have asylum granted. The Clinic receives regular referrals, indicating that the need for these services remains high in South Florida. To meet these needs the Clinic will expand into Palm Beach County in the coming year. Recommendations: Medical schools and asylum advocates should consider partnering to provide training in the evaluation, documentation and management of torture survivors and asylum seekers.