Today, Center for American Progress called an event towards LGBT undocumented immigrants with the founder of Define American Jose Antonio Vargas, and launched “Dual In Shadows: Undocumented Immigrants LGBT.” In light of the results of the Williams Institute UCLA, which has at least 267.000 LGBT-identified among the adult population of the undocumented, the CAP report details the disparities and difficulties that make these individuals are among the most vulnerable members of our society, recommending approval of the reform immigration with a path to citizenship, the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, and a modification of the detention and asylum standards to address the issues facing this community.
Compared to all undocumented immigrants, some of the conclusions of the report are:
LGBT-identified who are undocumented immigrants are more likely to be male. From identified as LGBT immigrants, 67 percent are men and 33 percent are women. Out of all undocumented immigrants, 57 percent are men and 43 percent are women.
LGBT-identified who are undocumented immigrants are younger. Forty-nine percent of LGBT undocumented immigrants are under 30, compared to 30 percent of all undocumented immigrants.
LGBT-identified who are undocumented immigrants are less likely to be Hispanic. Seventy-one percent of LGBT identified illegal immigrants are Hispanic, while 77 percent of all illegal immigrants are Hispanic.
“The LGBT community, particularly LGBT undocumented immigrants have much to risk with the immigration debate moving forward. The unique challenges facing this community should receive fair consideration and attention that determines the best way to reform our immigration system and provide a path to citizenship. Today’s report makes us open our eyes to the complexity of these problems and reminds us that, as a matter of conscience and justice, we must be aware of the specific charges facing LGBT immigrants, “said Angela Maria Kelley , vice president for policy Immigration and Defense Center for American Progress.
Undocumented immigrants face numerous LGBT difficulties, both endemic to their lack of status and sexual orientation and gender identity. Both undocumented individuals and LGBT Americans face job insecurity, income insecurity, gaps in health insurance coverage and mental health disparities. For those who are LGBT and undocumented, their double minority status gives gravity by the detrimental effects on their social, economic and physical well-being.
Taking a path to citizenship would allow LGBT 267.000 of undocumented immigrants who have peace of mind that no deportations would separate them from their families. The path to citizenship allowed to earn higher wages and better access to social services and increased job security. But without legislation such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to protect against discrimination in employment, wage differentials and health still persist after legalization.
You can read the full report here
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