Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) undocumented people find themselves at the intersection of two already marginalized groups—the LGBT population and the undocumented population. For this reason, they are among society’s most vulnerable.
In a first-of-its-kind analysis that will be released at this event, the Williams Institute at UCLA has estimated the number of LGBT-identified adult undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Its analysis also uncovers a number of key demographic characteristics about this population. The Center for American Progress will also be releasing a comprehensive report at this event outlining the particular disparities, hardships, and challenges this population faces.
Passing an immigration reform bill with a roadmap to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented individuals living in the U.S. would lift LGBT undocumented persons out of the shadows, treat them with the dignity they deserve, and enable them to become full and equal participants in our society, economy, and democracy.
Please join the Center for American Progress for a discussion on the LGBT undocumented and the special obstacles they face, including their inability to sponsor their same-sex spouse or partner for residency, their frequent mistreatment while in immigration detention centers, their challenges while seeking asylum, and the solutions that lie ahead.
You can follow this event on twitter using the hashtag #Out4Citizenship.
Introductory remarks:
Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President for External Affairs, Center for American Progress
Featured Panelists:
Jose Antonio Vargas, Founder, Define American
Gary Gates, Williams Distinguished Scholar, The Williams Institute
Michael Jarecki, Principal, Law Office of Michael R. Jarecki
Maya Rupert, Policy Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights
Moderator:
Angela Kelley, Vice President for Immigration Policy, Center for American Progress