Why do LGBTQIA+ People Seek Asylum in the United States?
LGBTQIA+ people throughout the world are subjected to unthinkable violence and abuse because of their sexuality and/or gender identity. The U.S. government recognizes these individuals as a class in particular need of protection, allowing them to access our most comprehensive protective immigration program: asylum.
However, the U.S. immigration system is complex and constantly evolving, making it difficult for asylum-seekers to navigate on their own.
Quality legal representation will cost a typical asylum-seeker between $6,000 and $15,000 if payed privately, yet asylum applicants are unauthorized to work in the United States. This can make obtaining effective representation an insurmountable barrier to accessing legal protections.
The LGBT Asylum Project provides high quality legal services to LGBTQ+ immigrants seeking protection in the United States for a low cost.
However, the U.S. immigration system is complex and constantly evolving, making it difficult for asylum-seekers to navigate on their own.
Quality legal representation will cost a typical asylum-seeker between $6,000 and $15,000 if payed privately, yet asylum applicants are unauthorized to work in the United States. This can make obtaining effective representation an insurmountable barrier to accessing legal protections.
The LGBT Asylum Project provides high quality legal services to LGBTQ+ immigrants seeking protection in the United States for a low cost.
LGBTQIA+ Persecution Today:
Many LGBTQ+ people face violence and stigma in societies that do not protect them from torture, and even murder, because of their sexuality or gender identity.
Many LGBTQ+ people face violence and stigma in societies that do not protect them from torture, and even murder, because of their sexuality or gender identity.
- 68 countries criminalize private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity.
- 11 countries where the death penalty is imposed or at least a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity.
- 32 countries of origin where our clients have immigrated from to seek asylum in the Bay Area.
How The LGBT Asylum Project helps LGBTQIA+ Asylum Seeker
We work directly with clients and ensure that they receive the most suitable and appropriate services based on each case. Our clients originate from all over the world. Without our timely assistance, vulnerable individuals will potentially be deported to face persecution, imprisonment, and even death in their home countries.
- Since our founding, we’ve won 116 cases (99% approval rating), and as of December 2023, we have 198 active cases.
- In 2022 alone, we reached out to 712 LGBTQIA+ immigrants through legal consultations and asylum applications.
We need your help
- The asylum process is incredibly time consuming and stressful for most applicants, who are forced to recount and prove past trauma while in an unfamiliar place with little to no resources or support. Because of the unique nature of the services we offer, the LGBT Asylum Project needs your help in a wide variety of ways.
- You can find more information on our Join Us page, by contacting us directly with any questions, or by clicking the "Donate" and "Volunteer" buttons below.