Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Immigrants: Ari Jones on Immigration, Community, and Drag
Oasis was founded as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers—those fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or HIV status. Over the years, we have expanded our mission to provide holistic support to LGBTQ+ immigrants at every stage of their immigration journey. Ari Jones, who joined Oasis in 2018, has been instrumental in shaping that vision by recognizing a critical need in these services, ensuring that our clients aren’t left wondering, “what happens after I win asylum?”
In response, they created our Immigration Pathways Program, which helps LGBTQ+ immigrants apply for green cards, citizenship, and even reunite with their families. Thanks to Ari’s leadership, this program ensures that no one has to navigate any part of their immigration journey alone.
Beyond their role as a dedicated legal advocate, Ari brings warmth, humor, and creativity to our community. In this interview, we get to know more about Ari’s work, passions, and the vibrant personality that makes them such an integral part of Oasis.
MS: What informed your decision to create the Immigration Pathways Programs at Oasis?
AJ: In my first legal role as an intern with a nonprofit, I was tasked with assisting former asylum clients who needed to apply for their green cards. I was saddened to find how many former clients had become completely disconnected from their legal team after less than a year. Most former clients were unprepared to apply for the next stage in their immigration process, and some had fallen into situations that could jeopardize their hard won status. I began working with Oasis to ensure that our clients receive continuity in service and that no one falls through the cracks. It’s our job as legal representatives to demystify these processes, give our clients the tools they need to succeed, and create a dynamic where they can stay connected with us throughout their journey. I’m proud to say we’ve done that at Oasis.
NS: How has your background, either personally, professionally, or both influenced your work at Oasis?
AJ: I have the immense privilege of being born in the U.S. to a family who had been in the U.S. for generations before me. By the simple coincidence of my parentage and birthplace, I am a U.S. citizen. Throughout my life growing up in California, I had many friends who didn’t experience the same privilege that I did. In college, the DREAMers movement and the creation of DACA allowed some of my friends to come out as undocumented. Their experiences in our arbitrary immigration system are what first inspired me to study immigration law.
As a queer, trans, and disabled person, I have found deep connections working with our clients. It feels like a form of mutual aid to be in community with fellow queer folks, to see and be seen, and to work toward our mutual goal to be safe and thrive.
MS: What do you like to do in your free time?
AJ: In my free time I like to either turn my brain off or engage in creative pursuits. Usually you can find me watching an excessive number of competitive baking shows, comedy sitcoms, and soapy disaster shows (like Grey’s Anatomy). Since graduating law school, I’ve also done drag as a way to honor different parts of my gender expression. I love to perform as Pop Rox and go to shows, seeing all the creativity that the Bay Area drag scene has to offer.
NS: What has been your favorite drag look? (And do you have a picture? :))
AJ:THIS IS SO HARD! But these are some exclusive pics that have never been shared before!
MS: We know that you have three elderly pets and we’ve been graced by their presence multiple times in the office. What is the most rewarding part of being a parent to elderly pets? And what advice would you give for people caring for elderly pets?
AJ: Stop, I’m going to cry…
My advice is to make sure you have the financial resources to really steward your pet through their end of life given any medical conditions. My partner and I take this responsibility really seriously and are careful before taking in a new pet with expensive health conditions, or care needs which might conflict with another one of our aging babies.
The best part of caring for an elderly pet is that they’re already potty trained and they don’t have enough energy to destroy your house. JK, that’s just a helpful perk! The best part about having an elderly pet is that they already have a personality when you meet them, so it feels like you are forming a bond with a new friend who is already an adult being. That doesn’t mean an elderly pet won’t surprise you, and I really love when our pets do something daring or trusting that they never have before. But I also love that I come home to our three loveable weirdos and it feels like I have a bunch of mildly grump roommates (and one perfect, joyous angel named Fiddle).
MS: What are you looking forward to in the coming year, either personally, professionally, or both?
AJ: I’m really looking forward to my sabbatical this upcoming summer! I am so grateful to have gotten to work with the Oasis community for the last 6 years, but it is time for a break. I’m excited to return to New Mexico, to see my friends near and far, and to get to try out detailed royal icing cookie decorating. One of Oasis' clients was on the Halloween and Christmas Cookie Challenges on the Food Network, and now I really want to try my hand at that! I’m hoping he’ll be able to give me some tips… and maybe I’ll stop by the office to drop off some treats ;)
Ari’s commitment to justice, their deep sense of community, and their flair for creativity make them an essential part of Oasis. Whether they’re guiding clients through complex immigration processes or dazzling audiences as their drag persona, Ari embodies the resilience and joy at the heart of our work. If you ever catch Pop Rox performing in the Bay Area, be sure to cheer them on—and if you want to support the life-changing work they help lead at Oasis, we invite you to join our community and be part of the movement.