OUR IMPACT
Since 2017, we’re proud to have directly represented over 2,700 queer and trans immigrants across California, Washington, Oregon, and western Nevada.
Having access to representation during the legal immigration process leads to improved outcomes.
The U.S. immigration process is very complex and often difficult for individuals to navigate on their own, especially as they’re also adjusting to a new country, language, and many other life changes. Queer and trans immigrants experience more successful outcomes when they have access to representation during their immigration legal process. Oasis staff bring a wealth of legal experience to each client’s immigration process, which leads to a high rate of success in our cases. In affirmative asylum cases, the odds of winning (being granted asylum) increase for clients when they have legal representation. The odds increase even further when they are represented by Oasis specifically.
LGBTQ+ immigrant communities deserve a space free from persecution.
In many countries, LGBTQ+ individuals suffer horrific violence due to prejudice, ignorance, and fear around sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Those who are able to flee to the U.S. are eligible to apply for asylum and can eventually become legal permanent residents and citizens. The LGBTQ+ population on a global level is often one of the most vulnerable and yet invisible at the same time, so LGBTQ+ asylum applicants often face additional difficulties in an already complicated legal process. With years of work within the queer and trans community, on both professional and personal levels, our staff is able to provide our clients with the most up-to-date immigration information and guide them through the process of applying for relief in a safe and compassionate environment.
Legal status profoundly impacts our clients’ lives.
Having lawful immigration status changes our clients' lives in a profound way.
LGBTQ+ immigrants often feel increased vulnerability when arriving in the U.S. and stay in the closet, both in terms of their identity and immigration status. With legal status, our clients can access social security numbers and come out of the shadows to work legally; they can pursue educational opportunities that were inaccessible as undocumented immigrants; and with asylum they can access necessary medical and psychological services to be successful in a new setting and heal from past wounds.
When our clients obtain asylum status, they have the opportunity to become full participants in their communities, thereby also enriching the lives of those around them.