Although immigration issues are often featured prominently in U.S. news, rarely are the struggles of the LGBTQ people within that community taken into account. GLAAD estimates that across the nation, there are nearly 300,000 people who fall into this category, not all of whom fall within the requirements of immigration policies like the 2012 Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals.
Dissecting issues of this nature can be difficult, but organizations like the Justice for Our Neighbors United Methodist Immigration Ministry are providing resources for LGBTQ immigrants. On the second Thursday of every month, the Grand Rapids Pride Center hosts JFON West Michigan office hours for anyone seeking help.
Walk-in appointments are welcome, and JFON-WM features free, immigration legal services for people who are at or under 200 percent of the poverty level — in 2017, U.S. federal poverty guidelines listed people making $12,060 or less at the poverty threshold. JFON focuses its work on humanitarian-based immigration cases. This can include cases for people seeking asylum in the U.S., refugees, unaccompanied minors, DACA, victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and family reunification.
Grand Rapids Pride Center 343 Atlas Ave., S. E. Grand Rapids, 1-4 p.m.
JFON Provides Legal Help for LGBTQ Immigrants
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