In response to President Trump’s proclamation to block migrants seeking asylum if they fail to cross the U.S. border at an official port of entry, Los Angeles LGBT Center Director of Policy and Community Building Dave Garcia issued the following statement:

“This move is aimed at limiting asylum, as rhetoric has heated up about the so-called ‘migrant caravan’ from Honduras which includes numerous LGBT people fleeing persecution. This new policy will have a broad and devastating effect on the nation’s asylum law and its role as a beacon of hope for those fleeing violence and persecution around the world.

“The fact is federal law specifically allows individuals to apply for asylum whether or not they are at an official port of entry. Asylum is guaranteed by international law and is a critical, life-saving necessity for people fleeing persecution. For LGBT asylum seekers and hundreds of woman and children who face violence, not having a chance to make their case and having to return to their country of origin could mean facing violence or even death.

“The center provides services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, including assisting LGBT immigrants seeking asylum in this country. We cannot underscore enough the dangers which LGBT asylum seekers face if forced to return to their home countries. Homosexuality is still punishable by death in a number of countries, and it is still criminalized in approximately 70 countries. Further, millions of LGBT people continue to face discrimination, violence and persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or HIV status. We, as a nation, must continue to embrace refugees and asylum seekers ­– not turn our backs on them when they need us the most.”

For information, visit lalgbtcenter.org/comment.