Number of Gay Asylum Seekers Growing

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.