While studies have shown that LGBTQ migrants are a particularly vulnerable group of travelers who are likely to experience violence, the Trump administration has been forcing them to wait in Mexico’s border cities until their U.S. court hearings.
The U.N High Commissioner for Refugees interviewed Central American LGBTQ migrants in 2017 and found that 88% had been victims of sexual and gender-based violence in their home countries. Two-thirds of those interviewed said they suffered similar attacks while they were in Mexico.
In addition to sending vulnerable LGBTQ migrants back to Mexico, the Trump administration also continues to keep lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer migrants in ICE detention centers, despite clear evidence that ICE is failing to provide adequate medical and mental-health care.
Immigration Advocates Voice Concerns
According to Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, “Terrorized at home, and abused while trying to seek sanctuary abroad, they are now some of the most vulnerable refugees in the Americas. The fact that Mexico and the U.S.A. are willing to watch on as they suffer extreme violence is, simply, criminal.”
With armed robberies and targeted assaults on LGBTQ shelters in Tijuana and other border cities, immigrants in this category live in fear each day that they have to wait in Mexico for their court hearings. And after a trans woman in ICE custody died because of complications from HIV, human rights groups have demanded that ICE release all LGBTQ detainees and anyone with HIV, as well.
Compassionate Immigration Attorneys
Our lawyers at Musa-Obregon Law PC understand that LGBTQ migrants face unique challenges on their journey to the U.S. That is why we are committed to serving our clients and using our extensive knowledge of the law to defend their rights. Whether you are petitioning for employment–based immigration, family-based immigration, or asylum, you can rely on our legal team to be there for you at your most trying times.
To schedule a case consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer at Musa-Obregon Law PC, call us at (888) 502-8461 today.