Dear Friend,  

I’m blown away by the outpouring of love and support you showed Immigration Equality for Giving Tuesday Now. Because of your generosity, we raised over half of our $5,000 goal, which will cover the cost of representing a new client facing the dangers of COVID-19 in ICE detention. Together, I know we can raise the full amount. 

Take it from me: your gift matters. It cost Immigration Equality $2,500 to take on my case, get me released from ICE detention, and ensure I was not deported back to homophobic violence in Russia. It took $2,500 to save my life, and with your help, Immigration Equality can save another life.   

In honor of Immigration Equality’s 25th anniversary, a donor will match every dollar you give at 100%, meaning this week we can double the impact. Will you help us make the most of this moment?

Immigration Equality provided me the chance to live proud and free. They secured my release from ICE detention where I received inadequate HIV care and lived in inhumane conditions. With COVID-19 cases appearing in detention centers across the U.S., HIV-positive, queer, and trans asylum seekers are at even greater risk than I was. We have no time to waste to secure their release. 

So much has changed in the past few months, but Immigration Equality’s commitment to the people they serve has not. Please consider giving to Immigration Equality today to help us surpass our goals and advocate for the safety and freedom of our community.  

Sincerely, 

Denis     

Dear Friend,  

I know what it’s like living with HIV in ICE detention. I was held in a room for 46 days with 100 other people, without adequate medical care. I developed an infection, fever, and insomnia from stress. I felt scared for my life, and this was long before the COVID-19 outbreak.  

I also know what it’s like to have the support of Immigration Equality. They gave me free legal representation and stood by my side until I won. Now I want to help other detained asylum seekers in grave danger of being exposed to COVID-19—without access to basic hygiene, proper medical care, or the ability to practice social distancing.  

This Giving Tuesday Now, I’m asking for your help on behalf of people living in fear in ICE detention. If just 25 people launch a Facebook fundraiser, Immigration Equality will fly past their goal of raising $5,000 to secure freedom for asylum seekers like me in ICE detention. Will you help them save lives today? 

In the past month alone, Immigration Equality has pressured ICE to release eight asylum seekers from detention facilities—and succeeded. But there is more work to do, and there are more lives to save. It costs an estimated $2,500 for each client they represent, including phone call charges from detention centers, important documentation fees, staff compensation, and more.  

If you help them hit their goal of $5,000, they can represent two more clients in danger of contracting COVID-19 in ICE detention. And with a donor matching new gifts in honor of Immigration Equality’s 25-year-anniversary, contributions will be DOUBLED, allowing them to take on four new cases—and advocate for the release of many more! This Giving Tuesday Now, please help Immigration Equality save lives before it’s too late. 

Click here to start your Facebook fundraiser for Immigration Equality or make a direct donation here.  

Every dollar you raise, or give, is meaningful. Thank you, as always, for your support. 

Be well, 

Denis Davydov