LGBTQ+ Asylum Program

In the third quarter of 2024, we are standing up a program to provide dedicated legal support to LGBTQ+ individuals who are seeking asylum in the U.S.

LGBTQ+ asylum seekers can face specific challenges during the asylum process. Asylum officers and immigration judges often have misconceptions about LGBTQ+ identities and experiences that can lead to applications being wrongly denied. Representation from an attorney who understands the particular challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the asylum process can help ensure that an individual’s LGBTQ+ identity—which is often the grounds for seeking asylum in the first place—does not become a barrier instead.

Each person seeking asylum will be matched with a volunteer attorney, and if needed, a volunteer interpreter. Attorneys who volunteer for this program will receive focused training in the specific issues that can come up in asylum cases for LGBTQ+ people, as well as awareness training so they can proficiently collaborate with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers with sensitivity and consideration. As with all our programs, volunteer attorneys will also receive personalized mentorship from an expert in immigration law.

We will be accepting volunteer applications from attorneys and interpreters for this program soon. In the meantime, to find out more, you can email us at justice@immcouncil.org.