Challenges Facing LGBT Asylum-Seekers: The Role of Social Work in Correcting Oppressive Immigration Processes

Abstract

Asylum remains an important means for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) immigrants to stay in the United States. Social workers providing services for immigrants must understand the key aspects of the asylum process. This author extends the seminal work of Yoshino (2006) Yoshino, K. 2006. Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights, New York: Random House. [Google Scholar], who explores the ways society forces oppressed groups to downplay or cover aspects of their identities. Yet, LGBT asylum-seekers must prove the authenticity of their sexual identity by reverse-covering, emphasizing traits based on stereotypes of sexual minorities. Reverse-covering demands made by the asylum process, challenge LGBT immigrants, particularly given the influence of race and culture on sexual identity. This article presents micro- and macro- practice implications.