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