Our New Asylum Fellow Takes on Removal Defense Work!
As a result of the current immigration climate and displacement of people around the world, immigration providers in California are unable to keep up with the demand for legal services. For providers who serve LGBTQ+ clients, capacity is further stretched. As a result, many LGBTQ+ asylum seekers often find themselves navigating their asylum case without representation, or they forego the asylum process altogether despite being eligible. Private attorneys and legal representatives who have little experience representing LGBTQ+ clients may sometimes lack the cultural competence to support these clients, making them ineffective advocates for LGBTQ+ immigrants.
“Oasis receives five to seven inquiries a day from LGBTQ+ asylum seekers located in Northern and Central California…”
Currently, Oasis receives five to seven inquiries a day from LGBTQ+ asylum seekers located in Northern and Central California who are in need of support with a defensive asylum application.* Many queer and trans immigrants hope that Oasis will represent their case due to our reputation for being attentive and sensitive to their needs. Since our capacity and focus have been on affirmative asylum** applications, we’ve historically had to refer these individuals to other organizations (who may also be at capacity) or private law firms, despite clients’ critical need for free, high-quality culturally competent representation.
*For defensive asylum applications, the process begins when an individual is placed in removal proceedings in immigration court. The individual must demonstrate that they meet the criteria for asylum before an immigration judge. If the judge finds that the individual meets the criteria for asylum, they are granted asylum status and can pursue lawful permanent residence in the United States.
**Affirmative asylum is a legal process in the United States that allows individuals who fear persecution in their home country to seek protection without being in removal proceedings. This process is accessible to those who are already physically present in the country, regardless of how they arrived or their immigration status.
We are happy to introduce Celia Meredith, our new Asylum Legal Fellow! Celia will expand our ability to support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers who qualify for affirmative asylum and have a need for immediate representation (those who have 30 days or less to file their asylum application).
“..individuals seeking asylum at the U.S. border are fleeing violence and instability, and this is particularly pronounced for members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Abby Sullivan Engen, Immigrants' Rights Co-Directing Attorney at Centro Legal de La Raza, states:
“Centro Legal is thrilled to have commenced this collaboration with Oasis and with Celia (they/them). The need for high-quality, low-cost removal defense legal representation for the LGBTQ+ community has never been higher. As we're witnessing the violent and dishonest weaponization of immigration as a political issue, it's crucial to remember that the vast majority of the brave individuals seeking asylum at the U.S. border are fleeing violence and instability, and this is particularly pronounced for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In Celia's first few days, they have already proven to be a highly dedicated, passionate, and hardworking attorney. Not only is Celia working on newer cases, but with their support, we are finally able to move forward several cases that have stalled under immigration agency dysfunction over the last several years. We are elated to be collaborating with Oasis to expand access to justice for LGBTQ+ immigrants who are at risk of deportation.”
Our goal at Oasis is to ensure that every eligible LGBTQ+ asylum seeker in the U.S. receives high-quality and culturally competent legal representation and related support services. With that in mind, we are expanding our Asylum Program by piloting this removal defense project for vulnerable low-income LGBTQ+ asylum seekers facing deportation in Northern and Central California (residents that fall within the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Asylum Office). With Celia’s support and new funding partnerships, we envision expanding beyond affirmative asylum, and permanently incorporating the defense of asylum seekers in court proceedings to our Asylum Program. Celia has already begun representing six clients in their removal proceedings. Each of our clients is applying for asylum due to threats, physical or sexual harm, and other extreme violence on account of their LGBTQ+ identity. This project is currently funded for two years through the generosity of The Victor & Lorraine Honig Initiative for Bay Area Social and Economic Justice at the Tides Foundation.
Published September 23, 2024