In 1994, the United States granted asylum to an individual on the basis of sexual orientation for the first time. This opened the door for LGBTQ immigrants facing persecution in their countries of origin to seek protection as refugees and asylees.
Thirty years later, immigration continues to be central to our political discourse and remains a focus in the presidential election.
In response to the US allowing asylum claims from LGBTQ immigrants, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) immediately established our Immigration Project, now called Hogar [Home] – Legal and Practical Support for LGBTQ Immigrants in 1994.
Since then, the Immigration Project has advanced immigration law and assisted thousands of LGBTQ immigrants in obtaining legal status in the U.S.