Friend,
When Iqbal fled Uganda under rising violence against LGBTQ communities and new laws criminalizing people for being gay, he knew it was his only chance at survival. At just 17 years old, he had already been beaten so severely for identifying as bisexual that he was hospitalized. “Something bad is going to happen to me [if I don’t get out],” he recounted.
Iqbal had a plan to evacuate Uganda as quickly as possible. He traveled by foot for months, trekking from East Africa through Central America and the treacherous Darien Gap in Panama to eventually reach the U.S.
Just two months into his time in the U.S., the Young Center was appointed to Iqbal’s case. Slowly, he opened up to his Child Advocate about the trauma he faced back home and along his journey, from the physical and emotional abuse he endured at home because of his sexual orientation to being attacked on the streets by strangers simply for being himself. He also shared about the bonds he’d formed with other migrants, some of whom didn’t survive, en route to the U.S.
While in federal custody, Iqbal’s appetite dwindled. Some days he would eat a single meal or nothing at all. Iqbal was struggling to cope, and the months he spent in custody took a severe toll on his well-being. Thankfully, Iqbal’s Child Advocate—who was specially trained to recognize how immigration policies, including detention, harm children’s mental health—sprang into action.
After noticing Iqbal wasn’t eating, his Child Advocate brought in authentic Ugandan dishes during their weekly visits. The Young Center pushed for Iqbal to be transferred to a foster care setting where he could have access to greater mental health support and would not be trapped in a facility with hundreds of other children. Our team’s advocacy ensured that Iqbal could attend a local high school, play on the soccer team —a sport he loved playing in Uganda—and make plans to attend community college after graduating.
Can you give a gift this year to help children like Iqbal? Your commitment provides the allies immigrant children need to accompany them when they are at their most vulnerable and to fight for their rights. Donate today to help children like Iqbal find safety, no matter where they land.
