Dear Friend,
A few days after I graduated from law school, I was kidnapped by the Venezuelan police and thrown into a van. They beat me, insulted me, and paraded me around the city for hours—all while telling me I “deserve this for being gay.”
Luckily, I survived this encounter, but I knew I had to flee the country immediately. Within a matter of days, I left my home and came to the United States.
Once I arrived in the U.S., I felt such relief knowing I couldn’t be persecuted for my identity.
Things were tough in the beginning, but I felt a glimmer of hope knowing I had the opportunity to be myself. I found a close friend who helped me get on my feet, and he even guided me to Immigration Equality!
Immigration Equality supported me with the most wonderful lawyers, helped me start my asylum process, and made me feel safe. After 7 years of waiting patiently to hear back about my case, I found out I won!
When I finally received asylum, I genuinely felt free.
Winning asylum felt like my patience was finally rewarded. I knew that I would never be forced to return to Venezuela ever again. In the U.S., I could be myself without living in fear.
Today, I am a paralegal at an immigration law firm. Here, I can share my resources and assistance with immigrants who are in similar need. I am also attending American University where I am pursuing my Master of Legal Studies.
Now that I have asylum, I am hoping to finish my last semester this fall so that I may pursue a career in law. I hope my story can bring visibility to how important asylum is for LGBTQ immigrants to be able to live authentically as themselves.
Together, we can help more LGBTQ asylum seekers fulfill their dreams. Will you give $50 today to secure safety and asylum for people like me?
Thank you,
Nelson, Asylum Winner
Immigration Equality
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