Tag: Deportation

Underground Lives: Criminalization and Fear Build Hidden Societies

October 25, 2025

By Melanie Nathan, Oct 24, 2025 When governments criminalize identity—whether via immigration policy or sexual orientation laws—they coerce people into the shadows to flee danger, yet the underground offers no safety at all—only a stopgap for immediate survival. Under Donald Trump’s immigration crackdowns, thousands of immigrants, and even U.S. citizens of color, live under the … More Underground Lives: Criminalization and Fear Build Hidden Societies

Shocking Report as U.S. Immigration ICE Accused of Torturing African Asylum Seekers

October 26, 2020

Allegations against American Immigration, Customs and Enforcement officers as shocking Human Rights Abuses reported, reflect a TRUMP attack on black immigrants At African Human Rights Coalition we are particularly aware of the hardship suffered by LGBTQI individuals who seek asylum from the violence they experience in their home countries, where they have no recourse to … More Shocking Report as U.S. Immigration ICE Accused of Torturing African Asylum Seekers

Asking for Investigation on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants

March 5, 2020

50+ Groups Release Letter Asking HFAC to Investigate Report on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants Washington, DC – Earlier today, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and immigration experts gathered to call on the House of Representatives to investigate the Trump administration’s termination of TPS in coordination with his 2020 re-election campaign. … More Asking for Investigation on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants

Trump Cruelty sets in as ICE prepares to Raid Families

June 21, 2019

The Washington Post is reporting that Donald Trump has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to conduct a mass roundup of migrant families that have received deportation orders, an operation that is likely to begin with predawn raids in major U.S. cities on Sunday, according to three U.S. officials with knowledge of the plans. … More Trump Cruelty sets in as ICE prepares to Raid Families

Groups File Lawsuit Against Trump Policy Forcibly Returning Asylum Seekers to Mexico

February 14, 2019

San Francisco, CA (February 14, 2019) –- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) filed a federal lawsuit today challenging the Trump administration’s new policy forcing asylum seekers to return to Mexico and remain there while their cases are considered. “The Trump administration is forcibly returning asylum … More Groups File Lawsuit Against Trump Policy Forcibly Returning Asylum Seekers to Mexico

WaPo: “U.S. embassy cables warned against expelling 300,000 immigrants. Trump officials did it anyway.”

May 8, 2018

Washington, DC – This evening, Washington Post’s Nick Miroff, Seung Min Kim and Joshua Partlow report that, despite warnings from experts contained in U.S. embassy cables, the Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 300,000 immigrants. These decisions are aimed at expelling legal immigrants with deep family, business, work and community ties in America. The … More WaPo: “U.S. embassy cables warned against expelling 300,000 immigrants. Trump officials did it anyway.”

Trump has “Already Told 1 Million Immigrants Who Had Legal Protections To Get Out”

May 7, 2018

Washington, DC –  Elise Foley of HuffPost puts the latest disturbing news about the end of TPS for Hondurans into a larger context, explaining in a new must-read article “more than a million people in total who have been living and working legally in the U.S. who, thanks to Trump, now face an uncertain future, … More Trump has “Already Told 1 Million Immigrants Who Had Legal Protections To Get Out”

When it Comes to the Trump Shithole Comment The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating!

February 11, 2018

President Trump’s “shithole” comment on immigrants from unspecified countries in Africa, as well as those from Haiti and El Salvador, is reflected in the numbers. In the year after Trump took office, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported a drop in total number of overall “removals”—except for African migrants who have seen a … More When it Comes to the Trump Shithole Comment The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating!

South African Lawyers Deported From Tanzania Amidst Accusations of Promoting Homosexuality

November 2, 2017

African Human Rights Coalition Reports: Tanzania has deported three South African lawyers after they were accused of promoting homosexuality. They were among 13 people arrested on October 17 for taking part in a meeting to discuss challenging a law stopping private health clinics from providing HIV and Aids services.  However, Sibongile Ndashe says they had no right … More South African Lawyers Deported From Tanzania Amidst Accusations of Promoting Homosexuality

Families Face Unconscionable Deportation

May 23, 2017

CGRS Files Amicus Brief in District Court Case Involving Women and Children Detained at Berks County Family Detention Center in Pennsylvania Case Involving Women and Children Detained at Berks County Family Detention Center in Pennsylvania San Francisco, CA (May 22, 2017) – The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) and pro bono counsel Schnader, Harrison, … More Families Face Unconscionable Deportation

Immigration Attorney Explains Fears in Trump Land

November 10, 2016

Scroll down for Spanish Translation: By Sasha N. Westerman, November 10, 2016. As we settle into the reality of a Trump Presidency, after a campaign of attacks on immigrants,  many are weighing in on what to expect. Thank you to immigration attorney, Sasha Westerman for this realistic clarification in the following instances: LETTER TO CLIENTS AND … More Immigration Attorney Explains Fears in Trump Land

Activists Worldwide try to Save Ugandan Lesbian from UK Deportation

December 17, 2014

By Melanie Nathan,  December 16, 2014. The United Kingdom wants to deport a persecuted lesbian back to Uganda, where a harsh anti-LGBTI climate awaits, with the certainty of further state sanctioned persecution that will endanger her life. Activists, worldwide have weighed in with letters and reports, in support of Judith Twikirize, 23, a known lesbian, in … More Activists Worldwide try to Save Ugandan Lesbian from UK Deportation

Famed Ugandan Activist Urges UK Home Office Not to Deport Lesbian

December 11, 2014

“UK has been very supportive of the Uganda Gay rights movement and it will be an embarrassment that your office doesn’t live up to its expectations in protecting those that need the protection most from persecution..” Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera. By Melanie Nathan, December 11, 2014. Despite appeals and petitions the United Kingdom’s Home Office informed … More Famed Ugandan Activist Urges UK Home Office Not to Deport Lesbian

Urgent Petition to Save Another Ugandan Lesbian About to be deported from United Kingdom

August 19, 2014

URGENT PETITION – See link below-  Se updated note below By Melanie Nathan, August 19, 2104. An Ugandan lesbian may be deported on Friday, unless we act fast. When Burton Youth for Christ members found out that their trusted interned employee of 10 months was a lesbian, they suddenly turned on her, fearing that she … More Urgent Petition to Save Another Ugandan Lesbian About to be deported from United Kingdom

Life or Death to Save Lesbian Aidah from UK Deportation to Uganda Please Sign Now

May 21, 2014

#SAVEAidah Her fast track deportation is set for mere days ahead – May 24 |  we received a desperate request for help from her team here in the UK.  I am meeting with them in London today. They want to hear from you NOW and there is no time to waste! UPDATED MAY 23: LAST … More Life or Death to Save Lesbian Aidah from UK Deportation to Uganda Please Sign Now

Dangerous Costly Bed Quotas hurts LGBT Detainees

May 12, 2014

Center for American Progress  | RELEASE: New Analysis and Infographics Show the Dangerous and Costly Effects of Detainee Bed Quotas Washington, D.C. — New CAP analysis and infographics detail the dangerous and costly toll of the congressionally mandated bed quota on our immigration system. Beginning in 2009, Congress directed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or … More Dangerous Costly Bed Quotas hurts LGBT Detainees

Lesbian dies after being deported by United Kingdom back to Uganda

March 13, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, March 12, 2013. Activists in the United Kingdom are blaming the United Kingdom Border Agency for deporting an asylum seeker who has now according to Pink News, died in Uganda, “after she claimed she was at risk of homophobic persecution,” if she returned. When it comes to LGBT Asylum the UK is … More Lesbian dies after being deported by United Kingdom back to Uganda

Uganda detains second British citizen associated with play containing gay character

February 26, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, February 27, 2013. A  Second British man has now been arrested and is being held in a prison in Uganda after appearing in the play The River and the Mountain, which used a gay character in a story that speaks of corruption and other issues in Uganda. Keith Prosser was arrested by … More Uganda detains second British citizen associated with play containing gay character

British Producer describes harsh detention conditions and deportation from Uganda

February 13, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, February 13, 2013. David Cecil has arrived in the United Kingdom after being deported from his home in Uganda, which he shares with his partner/wife and two small children, and who have now been left behind.  Cecil is not an LGBTI activist; he is the producer of a play, The River and … More British Producer describes harsh detention conditions and deportation from Uganda

David Cecil British Producer detained for Deportation from Uganda

February 7, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, Feb. 07, 2013.  3:00 am PST Updated: Feb 12, 2013 –  Sources in Uganda confirm that British play producer David Cecil was deported last night.  Also confirmed by  British foreign office spokesman who told the BBC that Mr Cecil was deported on Monday evening. “We are concerned that he was deported without … More David Cecil British Producer detained for Deportation from Uganda

Letter to Eric Holder as Senators Urge Protections for Same Sex Binational Couples Facing Deportation

May 11, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, May 11, 2012. BOSTON – Following President Obama’s announcement to support same sex marriage, Senator John Kerry, along with 16 of his Senate colleagues, today renewed their call for the Obama Administration to protect married gay and lesbian couples facing possible deportation. In a letter sent to the U.S. Attorney General and … More Letter to Eric Holder as Senators Urge Protections for Same Sex Binational Couples Facing Deportation

Immigration Equality Fails Binational Same-Sex Couples Again

February 23, 2012

Immigration Equality Seeks to blame Obama Administration for its own ineffectiveness and fainting mission By Melanie Nathan, February 23, 2012 Andrew Harmon at the Advocate reports that The Obama Administration held talks with LGBT groups on January 30, and the “big ask” was rejected.  “While the administration has taken affirmative steps in recent months to … More Immigration Equality Fails Binational Same-Sex Couples Again

Deportation to Anti-Gay Uganda | Past and Future of Gay Detainee Joseph Bukombe

February 3, 2012

Editor’s Advocacy Note:   The Obama Administration has indicated via recent memo and speeches the strong support for International LGBT human rights. As an activist in this arena we implore upon the administration to not mince their words and to show action as well here on home turf!  That would include protecting asylum seekers such as … More Deportation to Anti-Gay Uganda | Past and Future of Gay Detainee Joseph Bukombe

Asking King of Norway to save Gay Iraqi Man Azad from Deportation to Iraq

December 29, 2011

by Melanie Nathan, Dec 29, 2011. Updated: Petition Started on change.org see below.  Outrageous reasons to deport gay man from Norway;  save Azad , a young homosexual man, from deportation back to Iraq. The High Court in Oslo, Norway has turned down the application for political asylum after being  petitioned by Azad, a 33 year … More Asking King of Norway to save Gay Iraqi Man Azad from Deportation to Iraq

Deportation of Uganda Gay Robert Segwanyi deferred as about to Board Plane

July 11, 2011

July 11, 2011, Posted by Melanie Nathan, Article by Paul Canning: The removal of Ugandan gay asylum seeker Robert Segwanyi was tonight “deferred” at the last minute. He had been moved today to a Heathrow ‘removal centre’ for an early morning 11 July flight to Kampala.  The deferment comes after the last minute intervention of … More Deportation of Uganda Gay Robert Segwanyi deferred as about to Board Plane

Ugandan Woman Branded by Iron for being a Lesbian faces deportation from United Kingdom

May 31, 2011

05/31/2011, by Melanie Nathan The Guardian UK is reporting a case similar to many others, which we have reported upon in the past. The Asylum claim of a Ugandan lesbian, attacked by three men in her home country, has been refused by UK immigration authority.  In fear of  fraud, the UK authorities have been known … More Ugandan Woman Branded by Iron for being a Lesbian faces deportation from United Kingdom

Comments about UAFA- do not be put off – be motivated

July 17, 2009

Congress can and will have a new attitude toward UAFA – but it is not going to happen until we empower our community to make appointments with their representatives in every district, to show up with their own stories asking for help and if they do not need help, then to show up with the stories of other constituents. Congress will buzz if the dialogue between Rep and Constituent is prevalent and persistent. Until this constituent push happens the D.C. insider intelligence is meaningless. If congress has not taken the issue on after we do this, then I will succumb to the current D.C. Intelligence. … More Comments about UAFA- do not be put off – be motivated

Shirley Tan and Family to March with Out4Immigration at San Francisco Pride 2009

June 23, 2009

Press release:- Shirley Tan and Family to March with Out4Immigration at San Francisco Pride 2009 Pacifica family and Out4Immigration seek equal immigration rights for LGBT families and passage of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) By Marina DiCerbo Tuesday, June 23, 2009 Photo taken by  Melanie Nathan. San Francisco, CA—June 23, 2009—Shirley Tan, her partner … More Shirley Tan and Family to March with Out4Immigration at San Francisco Pride 2009

Shirley Tan, Melanie Nathan, Jay Mercado leaving the PLaza D.C. For the hearing.

June 5, 2009

   Before we headed out to the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. The Tan Mercado family was all spruced up and ready to testify. They were not nervous, just willing to take care of business. Shirley testified with a bravery rarely seen. I met Shirley when she had mere weeks to her deportation and the moment … More Shirley Tan, Melanie Nathan, Jay Mercado leaving the PLaza D.C. For the hearing.