Advocacy

Immigration Reform

Immigration

On Monday, April 26, 2010 the Center joined Immigration Equality, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and other organizations to add its voice to the growing movement for immigration reform. The following is the testimony delivered by George Fesser, the Center’s Coordinator of Immigrant Support Services at the hearing held by the New York City Council’s Committee on Immigration for Resolution 162, calling upon the “United States Congress to pass and President Obama to sign a just and humane comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2010.” The following is George’s testimony:

Introduction

My name is George Fesser and for over twelve years; I have been providing social work services to LGBT immigrants in the New York City metropolitan area. I am currently the Coordinator of Immigrant Support Services at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, where I have worked for the past three years with LGBT immigrants from all over the world.

The following is the testimony delivered by George Fesser, the Center’s Coordinator of Immigrant Support Services at the hearing held by the New York City Council’s Committee on Immigration for Resolution 162, calling upon the “United States Congress to pass and President Obama to sign a just and humane comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2010.” The following is George’s testimony:

Current situation and challenges

LGBT immigrants that come for services at the Center tell us that they are experiencing increased barriers to employment along with increased stigmatization and violence. They also share how increasingly difficult to access resources and information that can assist them towards obtaining legal documentation. At the same time, we see the negative impact immigration barriers have on bi-national couples and their families. Due to the current inability for an American Citizen to sponsor their foreign born partners, our LGBT people experience the devastating impact on finances, health and mobility of their families. The only option for many nationals is to relocate abroad in order to keep their families together.

Community impact

At the Center, I conduct weekly LGBT immigrant support groups for individuals from all over the world who are fleeing countries where being gay is illegal, punishable by prison, and in some instances punishable by death. The vast majority of these LGBT immigrants suffer from symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as Mood and Anxiety Disorders which place them at higher risk for HIV infection, substance abuse, domestic violence and many other risk factors commonly associated with disenfranchised communities.

Bethany’s story

I would like to take this opportunity to share the story of Bethany – a 23-year-old woman who came to the Center seeking support after she arrived from Uzbekistan a few days earlier with a suitcase and $500 in her pocket. According to the International Lesbian, Gay Association’s human rights map, the penalty for homosexuality in Uzbekistan is imprisonment, potentially unlimited in duration. When Bethany arrived at the Center she was worried that she could have been followed, and told us that she circled the block several times before entering our building on West 13th Street in Manhattan.

When she later sat down to share her story with an intake counselor, Bethany spoke about brutalities that she endured at the hands of local police in her small town. She told us about her arrest at a public park after a police officer saw her kissing her girlfriend. Bethany and her girlfriend endured multiple instances of sexual assault at the hands of the arresting police officers, who later handed over for similar treatment by criminals in the jail. Bethany was fortunate to have parents who supported her and helped her escape her native country. Bethany is now in NYC seeking assistance as she files for asylum. It is easy to understand why she initially seemed so watchful.

Through her attendance in the Center’s LGBT immigrant support groups, individual counseling, and the services that she is now receiving at the Bellevue program for survivors of torture, Bethany is now well on her way to getting her life back. Recently, she was granted full asylum, and is now working full time and receiving medical benefits from her employer. She continues to suffer from symptoms related to her trauma but is now connected to a vibrant supportive community of friends who are helping her build a new life for herself in the United States. On Sunday, June 27th, 2010, Bethany is looking forward to walking proudly with her friends from the support group at the annual New York City LGBT Pride March.

Conclusion

Moving forward, we must remember the stories of the many people like Bethany, who are simply trying to achieve freedom and peace in their lives. They come to “the home of the free” to live a life free of persecution, to be their true selves. Most of us in this hearing today would agree that the US immigration system is in need of reform. The reforms suggested in Resolution No. 162 are a positive step towards a comprehensive immigrant reform bill. It is imperative, that we fight to ensure that the current language, which acknowledges the circumstances of LGBT immigrants, stays in the bill.

George Fesser, LMSW
Center CARE Wellness Program Coordinator for Substance Abuse Prevention and Immigration Support Services
Hearing on Resolution 162 Committee on Immigration, a Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass and President Obama to sign a just and humane comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2010.

Citizen/Non-Citizen Video

We joined the NYCLU and the Office of Congressman Jerrold Nadler to look at discrimination against LGBT families in our immigration system and the ongoing efforts to reform the system in Congress through the Uniting American Families Act and comprehensive immigration reform. Citizen/Non-Citizen highlights the heart wrenching story of Britta and Carla, a married same-sex bi-national couple living in New York City fighting to stay together in the United States.

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