Russian LGBTQ Refugees Struggle to Obtain Freedom in the US
Detention Centers Deprive Them of Freedom
Albert Khamitov, a Russian LGBTQ refugee, fled Russia’s harsh anti-LGBTQ laws last year after being brutally attacked in Moscow. He was granted asylum in August, but instead of being released, he was sent to a detention center in Nevada, where he remains to this day.
A New Reality for Russian Asylum Seekers
Khamitov is not alone. According to interviews with more than a dozen activists, lawyers, and migrants, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials at detention centers in at least five states are no longer releasing Russian asylum seekers, even after they secure the right to enter the U.S. Those five states include California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Louisiana.
Russian LGBTQ Refugees’ Plight
Dmitrii Tur, co-founder of Ours in the USA nonprofit, said, "It’s torture to be here. I can’t sleep or eat, and my health is deteriorating every day." Khamitov is HIV positive and has a heart condition, and he is among dozens of Russian citizens being kept at detention centers. He has gone on hunger strikes twice, refusing to eat and drink for four days, and his condition is worsening.
Fears of Deportation
Tur expressed concerns that President Donald Trump’s return to power could make life difficult for LGBTQ refugees seeking protection in the US. "His promises to tighten immigration policies will affect virtually all groups of immigrants, including those already in detention centers, those awaiting entry into the country, those who have or have not yet applied for asylum, and those who have won or lost cases and are on appeal," he said.
Detention Centers’ Cruel Reality
According to interviews, Russian asylum seekers are being held at detention centers in California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Louisiana. Many have won their immigration cases, but are still being detained. Kirill Surnachev, co-founder and vice president of Ours in the USA, said, "After June, immigration officials stopped releasing Russians. Even people who won their immigration cases have remained in custody for months."
Fear of Deportation
Surnachev added, "There are people with HIV, cancer, and other dangerous diseases, and they are not being released." He runs an online community on the Telegram platform made up of Russian-speaking LGBTQ members called "Ours in the USA," which lists about 1,400 members. Many have left the chat platform, saying they changed their minds about moving to the US due to their fear of prolonged detention at immigration facilities.
Conclusion
The plight of Russian LGBTQ refugees is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The US government must take concrete steps to address the concerns of these individuals, ensuring their safety and well-being. The current situation is a violation of human rights and a stark reminder of the need for increased protections for vulnerable populations.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation with Russian LGBTQ refugees in the US?
A: Many Russian LGBTQ refugees are being detained at centers in California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Louisiana, despite winning their immigration cases.
Q: Why are they being detained?
A: According to activists and lawyers, Department of Homeland Security officials are no longer releasing Russian asylum seekers, even after they secure the right to enter the US.
Q: What are the consequences of prolonged detention?
A: Detention can lead to mental and physical health issues, as well as trauma and anxiety for the individuals involved.
Q: What can be done to address this issue?
A: The US government must take concrete steps to address the concerns of Russian LGBTQ refugees, including releasing those who have won their immigration cases and providing adequate support for those still in detention.
