As immigration negotiations loom, we cannot leave out how this is impacting LGBTQ asylum seekers – specifically our trans siblings.
The “safety” of our borders and people in need of safety should not be used as tools for political games.
A vast majority of lawmakers can’t say they’ve ever been to the border – I have. I’ve witnessed the pain and sorrow. I’ve worked in direct services and brought the stories of those impacted back to Washington, D.C. I’ve witnessed how the state of Texas has used “Operation Lone Star” as a tool of deception and xenophobia.
President Biden promised fairness and a humane asylum system. Closing the border would dismantle asylum while pouring credence into the previous administrations’ extremist great replacement lies. I implore President Biden to reconsider what’s on the table and work with us to ensure dignity and humanity.
This process—the media scrutiny—the vilifying of migrants isn’t new.
Many of us have lived this reality for decades. Extremists want you to believe there is a “crisis” at the border. The only crisis is a broken system that requires rebuilding. The needs of LGBTQ, disabled, and Black or Brown asylum seekers have either been disregarded or worse, used as a tactic to incite fear.
Restricting asylum without thinking of the impact is alarming and shows the willingness of lawmakers to bend to unfounded political pressure while dehumanizing the most marginalized.
Saving asylum is critical, and applying for asylum is a constitutional right. The right side of history takes courage even in the midst of principled struggle.
Allen Morris, Policy Director, National LGBTQ Task Force
Tell Congress: Oppose All Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks in the Federal Budget!
CONTACT:
Cathy Renna, Communications Director, National LGBTQ Task Force, 917-757-6123, [email protected]
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we have made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. Those barriers must go.
