Asylum Campaign

Why this campaign?

While it is not clear what exact changes will be made when the new federal administration takes charge, we do know every attempt will be made to make the asylum process even more difficult. This will likely mean that immigrants who have come to the U.S. to escape violence and persecution because of their HIV status and/or their sexual orientation or gender identity may no longer be eligible to apply for asylum and face deportation. For this reason, it is important for individuals who are eligible under the current guidelines to apply before January 20.

It is also important to recognize that there are instances where HIV+ undocumented individuals do not qualify for asylum or some other form of relief and, therefore, should NOT apply for asylum at this time.

How this worked:

1. Individuals who were HIV+/LGBT and undocumented and believed they were eligible for asylum completed an online intake form and scheduled a free, one-hour, in-person consultation with an experienced immigration attorney on either January 4 or January 11. 
2. At the conclusion of the consultation, clients were informed of their options, including whether they appeared to be a good candidate for asylum or some other form of legal relief.
3. Those clients who appeared to be a good candidate for relief were quickly assigned to work with an attorney on a limited scope basis to complete and file the application, likewise at no cost.
4. Clients will be able to reach back out to ALRP for assistance with the next stages of their asylum application as needed, such as preparing and securing representation for their asylum interview or hearing.

Thank you to the attorneys, students, and interpreters who volunteered their time to support this project!

Spanish-speaking law students and volunteers turned out to support the asylum clinic on Saturday, January 4.