We promote justice and equality for LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants through direct legal services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation.

Winning Asylum Inspired Me to Help Others

GUSTAVO’S STORY

“If you told me five years ago that I would be doing yoga every day, studying English, and starting my own nonprofit in New York City, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“Growing up in a conservative family in Venezuela, I struggled with my sexuality. I faced the hard truth that living openly as a gay man put me at risk of physical abuse. I came to the U.S. with no resources or support network, so I’m extremely grateful I found Immigration Equality. They took on my asylum case without asking me for a penny—and won.”

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Immigration Equality Lauds Federal Judge’s Decision to Block Biden’s Illegal Asylum Ban

New York, NY (July 28, 2023) — On Tuesday, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California blocked the Biden administration’s asylum ban, concluding the policy contravenes a person’s statutory right to request asylum in the U.S. regardless of where they cross the border. He delayed the decision for two weeks to give the federal government time to appeal.

In 2021, a federal judge enjoined the Trump administration’s “death to asylum” rule following a legal challenge by Immigration Equality and partner organizations.
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Join the movement for LGBTQ immigrant rights.

Client Stories

Terry and Adriana smiling, holding their son Darien

For Terry, a trans man from Mexico, being separated from his wife and young son is unimaginable.
Jude joyously smiling with a yellow t-shirt, in front of a mural covered with a variety of hearts

As a non-binary person, Jude could not live safely as their authentic self in Saudi Arabia.
Denis smiling looking towards the camera in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Denis, a gay Russian asylum seeker living with HIV, was detained in dangerous conditions for 46 days.
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