"There are several ways LGBTQ+ refugees could be denied under Trump's new admissions cap, according to the report. LGBTQ+ refugees are often single adults and frequently flee family persecution, making them ineligible for prioritization through family reunification. LGBTQ+ refugees can also lose priority status or have their claims dismissed outright if officials do not recognize persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity."
"At least 61 countries still have laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty. An additional 13 countries have restrictions on gender expression or bans on "cross-dressing." Under the Biden administration, the Special Envoy for the Advancement of LGBTQI+ Rights had Priority-1 referral authority to refer at-risk LGBTQ+ individuals to be considered for refugee resettlement. Trump has yet to appoint a Special Envoy, and has not indicated he will."
The Trump administration set a Presidential Determination capping refugee admissions at 7,500 for 2026, a 94 percent reduction from a 125,000 target and far below prior ceilings. LGBTQ+ refugees often travel alone and flee family persecution, which reduces eligibility for family reunification prioritization. Officials may fail to recognize persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity, causing lost priority or dismissed claims. Denied resettlement can force LGBTQ+ people to remain in countries that criminalize their identities, while prolonged waits increase economic vulnerability due to steep legal and relocation costs. Systematic demographic data on LGBTQ+ refugees remain lacking.
Read at Advocate.com
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