The Struggles of Transgender People Seeking Migrant Rights

 

The plight of transgender migrants seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border demands urgent action. For many transgender individuals fleeing discrimination, violence, and threats in their home countries, the journey to seek protection in the United States is perilous. After leaving shattered lives behind, they find themselves stuck in dangerous uncertainty after arriving at the border.

Makeshift camps and crowded shelters have become temporary homes as transgender migrants wait indefinitely for appointments with Customs and Border Protection, their chance to formally apply for asylum on American soil. However, the delay is both maddening and risky, as vulnerabilities to prior dangers are now exacerbated by lawlessness and hostility prevalent in border regions.

Statistics illustrate the disproportionate risks transgender people face. They are four times more likely than cisgender individuals to be victims of violent crimes. In Mexico, transgender women’s murder rate exceeds cisgender women’s by over double. Some Central American countries report a shockingly low life expectancy of only 35 years for transgender individuals, according to the UN.

While stuck in limbo, harassment, discrimination, and verbal abuse are daily challenges. The ever-present threat of kidnapping, sexual assault, and human trafficking looms large. A recent study found all LGBTQ+ clients interviewed had experienced sexual violence while waiting at the US-Mexico border.

Tragically, policies meant to manage asylum flows sometimes compound dangers for the LGBTQ+ community. The Biden administration’s “Remaining in Mexico” policy, forcing vulnerable people to wait in Mexico for initial CBP screening, has received widespread criticism for endangering at-risk populations further.

Even reaching US soil does not ensure safety. In immigration detention centers, transgender migrants face disproportionately high risks of sexual abuse and discrimination, such as housing solely based on biological sex regardless of gender identity.

As the world marks International Transgender Day of Visibility, the struggles of transgender asylum seekers at the border require urgent action and attention. The administration must rescind harmful policies and prioritize equitable, humane solutions that do not endanger vulnerable groups. Lawmakers should reallocate funds from detention centers where LGBTQ+ refugees face sky-high sexual assault risks, and instead support dignified access to the asylum process and critical aid groups. The courageous journeys of transgender refugees serve as a sobering reminder of ongoing challenges, and creating a safer pathway to protection must be a priority.