TRANSGENDER ASYLUM SEEKERS: AN OVERVIEW
Many transgender asylum seekers come to the United States to escape severe and often life-threatening persecution because of who they are.
And yet filing for asylum can be difficult for LGBT applicants generally, and transgender applicants, in particular. A transgender person may not be willing to be open about the reason they were persecuted in their home country for fear of experiencing similar discrimination or violence here in the United States.
While it is likely that transgender asylum seekers believe that the United States will not be as dangerous as the community they left, the idea that they could be officially protected as an LGBT person is foreign and unthinkable for many.
Many transgender asylum seekers come to the United States to escape severe and often life-threatening persecution because of who they are.
And yet filing for asylum can be difficult for LGBT applicants generally, and transgender applicants, in particular. A transgender person may not be willing to be open about the reason they were persecuted in their home country for fear of experiencing similar discrimination or violence here in the United States.
While it is likely that transgender asylum seekers believe that the United States will not be as dangerous as the community they left, the idea that they could be officially protected as an LGBT person is foreign and unthinkable for many.
This website provides a comprehensive overview of the most common issues transgender persons encounter during the asylum process. It is intended to serve as a guide for practitioners and to provide suggestions and tips, as well as background on the relevant law.
Last updated: May 2014