The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new technical instructions for panel physicians tasked with evaluating individuals applying for immigrant or refugee status. These instructions focus on mental or physical disorders and associated harmful behaviors, as well as substance use disorders, as part of the immigration process. The purpose of the…

1. The October 2025 Visa Bulletin has been released, marking the beginning of the new fiscal year and bringing changes for many awaiting in the employment-based green card queues. The bulletin provides two groups with pathways to file their Adjustment of Status (I-485) or have their pending case approved now that a visa number is…

1. The Refugee Health Program in Pierce County is designed to assist refugees, special immigrant visa holders, and asylees transition to life in the new environment. The program provides medical services such as immunizations, tested for HIV, STDs, and hepatitis B and C, emotional wellness, TB testing, stool testing, anemia and lead screening, physical exams,…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set out mental health technical instructions for panel physicians evaluating immigrant and refugee health statuses. The instructions follow the criteria of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, for diagnosing mental or physical disorders associated with harmful behaviors or substance use disorders.…