I testified in support of all LGBTQ and HIV-positive asylum seekers

[link removed]
I just testified before Congress about the life-threatening conditions I faced in immigration detention. As a gay man living with HIV, I applied for asylum in the U.S. to escape brutal, homophobic attacks in Russia. But despite my status as an asylum seeker, I was arrested by ICE.

Immigration officers put me in handcuffs, ankle bracelets, and wrapped a chain around my waste. Because I'm HIV-positive, each of the 46 days I spent in detention put my health in danger. My story—our stories—must be heard by policymakers, and we need your help to make that happen.

Will you make a gift of $30 so Immigration Equality can send another client to speak directly to Congress? If just 30 people give, we can cover their entire trip. ([link removed])

Luckily, I had the support of Immigration Equality and members of Congress who called for my release and alerted the media about my situation. After a month and a half in detention, I was allowed to go back home.

Most HIV-positive and LGBTQ asylum seekers in detention don't have people fighting for them in this way. Some face harassment, sexual violence, and torture in solitary confinement. Some never get their HIV medication. And some die. Despite all of that, there's reason for hope.

Together, we can save lives. If enough people give $30 today, Immigration Equality can bring another client like me to Washington. Please make a gift today. ([link removed])

I asked our leaders to fight so that no one ever has to go through what I did. To fight for those who don't have anyone fighting for them. I asked Congress to help LGBTQ and HIV-positive asylum seekers find what we can't in our home countries: support, safety, and the freedom to be who we are.

Thank you,

Denis Davydov
Immigration Equality client

P.S. This past July—after five years in the U.S.—I finally won asylum! I couldn't have done it without Immigration Equality. Will you give today to support their life-saving work? ([link removed])

Immigration Equality is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 13-3802711) and a proud participant in the Combined Federal Campaign (member number 40016). All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

============================================================
Copyright © 2019 Immigration Equality, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or one of our events.

Our mailing address is:
Immigration Equality
40 Exchange Place
Suite 1300
New York, NY 10005
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.