Immigration-related deception can affect mental health from the moment a promise of help turns into uncertainty. Incorrectly completed forms, false information, or questionable services can cause anxiety, insomnia, and a profound sense of vulnerability, especially when someone fears they may have jeopardized their future or their family's safety.

The harm goes beyond financial loss. Receiving advice from unauthorized individuals can lead to documents being submitted without understanding their consequences, missed deadlines, or exposure of personal information. These situations affect trust, family stability, and a sense of security, even after the deception is discovered.

Recent evidence confirms that uncertainty surrounding immigration processes and policies can affect psychological well-being. A peer-reviewed study published in 2025, based on two samples of 490 and 306 first- and second-generation immigrants in the United States, found that immigration policy-related stress was associated with greater symptoms of anxiety and depression, while resilience served as a protective factor (Held et al., 2025). In Connecticut, a representative survey of 1,371 adults conducted in 2025 found that 31 percent worried that they or someone close to them might be detained, deported, or lose their immigration status (DataHaven, 2025). These findings help explain why uncertainty, delays, or errors in an immigration application process can sustain fear and undermine a sense of security.

Persistent fear can make it difficult to concentrate, understand documents, and make decisions. Guilt, in turn, can prevent someone from sharing what happened or seeking guidance, increasing isolation and prolonging emotional distress.

Regaining control begins by stopping the pressure. Taking a breath, avoiding decisions while someone is making threats or demanding money, and writing down what still needs to be confirmed can help break the problem into smaller steps and reduce the sense of chaos.

Social and professional support is essential. Talking with someone you trust helps organize the necessary steps. If someone experiences panic attacks, loss of sleep or appetite, a feeling of losing control, or fear of harming themselves, they should seek immediate help. In Connecticut, people can call 988 and select option 2 for support in Spanish.

Reestablishing daily routines also helps restore stability. Eating, resting, setting aside time to review documents, and completing one task at a time can reduce stress. Caring for emotional well-being improves the ability to understand information and recognize new warning signs of deception.

The person affected is not to blame for trusting a promise of help. Responsibility lies with the person who deceived them or concealed the risks. Recognizing the psychological harm makes it possible to address its consequences without accepting blame that does not belong to them.

Protecting mental health is part of recovery. Supporting someone going through this experience, listening without judgment, and helping them access trustworthy guidance can reduce isolation and restore clarity in decision-making. Regaining peace of mind means rebuilding the security, trust, and sense of belonging that the deception put at risk.

Milton Capón Bermeo is a clinical psychologist with 18 years of experience in Ecuador in the areas  of clinical care, public health, and social policy, a graduate of the Danbury PLTI Class of 2024, and Co-Founder of the ABYA YALA Migrant Community. To reach him, call (203) 809-0603.