The number of people fleeing their native lands for America because of sexual orientation discrimination is increasing, reports Newsweek.

While
the United States doesn't track how many people of an individual group
seek or are granted asylum, the gay advocacy group Immigration Equality
reported that it has been receiving more and more requests for
assistance. Newsweek reports that Immigration Equality recently
won its 60th case of the year and has others still pending. Last year
Immigration Equality helped grant 55 LGBT people asylum in the United States,
and it did so for 30 in 2007.

Newsweek says many asylum seekers hail
from Caribbean nations, where antigay sentiments and violence are
common. The magazine chronicles the complicated process of being
granted asylum status in this country, which includes proving your
sexual orientation with written verification from family, friends, or
partners. There must also be evidence provided that your nation of origin is hostile to LGBT people.