• Latest
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Politics
  • Pride50
Queerty* Queerty* Pride
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • newsletter
  • Menu
Close
Queerty*
  • Log in
  • Register
  • Entertainment
  • Life
  • Goods
  • Politics
  • Pride50
  • Driven
  • Dragaholic
  • Health
  • Joystick
  • Out For Good
  • Prepared
  • Queerty Ever After
  • The Queerty Interview
  • Video (Queerty TV)
  • LGBTQ Nation News
  • GayCities Travel Guides
  • Share a Tip
  • Toggle Dark Mode
ALIEN NATION

WATCH: What It Means To Be An Undocumented LGBT Immigrant

By Les Fabian Brathwaite April 3, 2013 at 8:04am · 10 comments

The United States is home to over 267,000 undocumented LGBT immigrants, a few of whom share their stories in this video from Out4Citizenship.

Entertainment Immigration
View Comments10

Get Queerty Daily

Subscribe to Queerty for a daily dose of #entertainment #immigration stories and more

10 Comments

  • John Doe

    Undocumented = illegal, regardless if you’re straight or gay.

    My partner is a foreign national and he cannot legally enter the USA. We decided years ago to OBEY the immigration laws and to work within the system EVEN IF it discriminates against us because we are a same-sex couple.

    Sadly, however, many people prefer to break the immigration laws… which many of us follow EVEN THOUGH we are significantly hurt by it. For years my partner and I have obeyed these laws. Yes, it is a huge strain on our relationship and it sucks. It is NOT easy to be separated for so long because of LGBT discrimination. But, we obey the laws.

    April 3, 2013 at 6:04pm
  • Dixie Rect

    Illegal is illegal. Doesn’t matter about which letter they are.

    April 3, 2013 at 6:04pm
  • Fidelio

    I find it utterly tragic anyone in the LGBT community not rally behind meaningful immigration reform that would help bring 11 million undocumented workers in America out of the shadows, including about 1 million Dreamers. I’ve seen so many HRC monikers in profiles of those choosing to marginalize further a group of people who have, otherwise, contributed positively to the American economy. From construction, to manufacturing, to human services the undocumented worker has earned his or her stake in our future and to call such people illegal is dehumanizing. At a very minimum, such disrespectful language runs contrary to the values of any human rights mission and is beneath the dignity of the LGBT community.

    April 3, 2013 at 8:04pm
  • alterego1980

    I am fully in favor of immigration reform; especially for those who came here on the backs of their parents. Your situation is most unfortunate and I wish you every opportunity to stay and become a legal citizen of the only country you know as home. Of course there are others who are here illegally because they hopped a fence, forded a river or stowed away on a boat. Gay, straight or otherwise, you should have acquired legal status before entering this country. I would prefer you leave or be deported and come back when you are legal.

    April 3, 2013 at 11:04pm
  • John Doe

    @Fidelio: Calling such people illegal is dehumanizing? They are BREAKING FEDERAL LAWS every single day that they remain in the USA. Are you wanting people to pick and choose which federal laws they should obey? Forget it. Illegal is ILLEGAL. The only sympathy I have for these lawbreakers are the innocent children that are brought here. THOSE individuals should receive mercy and compassion. There needs to be a comprehensive answer to help THEM, especially if they were brought here pre-16 years old and don’t have any connections to their homeland. BUT, at the same time, they are still here illegally. The parents? SEND THEM HOME. This is exactly what Canada would do if I as an American illegally entered Canada. France would do the same thing. Germany. Italy. MEXICO. Brazil. Only the USA is falling into the politics of this issue vs. enforcing laws.

    April 4, 2013 at 3:04am
  • Fidelio

    @John Doe: Marrying a person of the same sex is currently illegal in most states, but we are fighting to change those laws because they are unjust. I consider it incredulous that 11 million workers in the United States, working below prevailing wages and conditions, who often risked life and limb to arrive here for the purpose of finding work, are further marginalized by many in the LGBT community. We are not Canada. We are not Brazil. We are the US, whose economy only stands to benefit by fully integrating this group of people into society. Consider what the Center for American Progress has said about legalization for immigrants already living here:

    $1.5 trillion added to economy,
    3.4% GDP growth rate,
    A decrease of .1% unemployment, annually,
    About $5 billion in added tax revenue,
    Immigrant business owners generate 12% of all business income,
    $2.6 trillion in losses if all undocumented immigrants were deported,
    618,000 jobs lost if mass deportation were to occur, and
    $285 billion in costs just to deport undocumented immigrants.

    Currently, there is a net zero immigration flow from Latin America into the US. What we are talking about are the undocumented immigrants already living here. If your only argument is that unauthorized entry is illegal, then I challenge you or anyone else to reevaluate the true nature of your skepticism.

    Just recently I read about a Dreamer LGBT youth fighting to stay in the country with the person he loves. Someone commented that he was in a similar situation, but decided to move to the country where his boyfriend is from and wait until change happened, rather than break any laws. I found it far more courageous that a young man would be willing to out himself out twice in order to fight for legalization that would even make the change possible.

    April 4, 2013 at 5:04am
  • viveutvivas

    I find it incredible that people who have never known REAL hardship in their lives come out with this kind of ignorant condemnations aimed at people who have to struggle to survive from day to day.

    April 4, 2013 at 11:04am
  • viveutvivas

    i guess what ome of these responses show is that gays can be bullies too. Some people just can’t feel good about themselves unless they put down the less fortunate.

    April 4, 2013 at 11:04am
  • the other Greg

    @viveutvivas: I find it incredible that people who have never worked as janitors (for instance) are totally cool with “undocumented” immigrants illegally undercutting the wages of American citizens who happen to be manual laborers. @viveutvivas: I guess what some of these responses show is that gays can be airheads too. Some people just can’t feel good about themselves unless they’re imagining some airy abstraction that can’t possibly affect them.

    April 4, 2013 at 1:04pm
  • Raquel Santiago

    @John Doe: Many times these laws are broken so they can have a better life. YES, i agree they should try and obey immigration laws and try to enter legally but sometimes if their lives are in danger because of the identity this is not always possible.

    April 13, 2013 at 5:04pm

Comments are closed.

More in Entertainment

An acclaimed director’s forgotten gay comedy is filled with stereotypes about “bitter old queens”
a gay old time

An acclaimed director’s forgotten gay comedy is filled with stereotypes about “bitter old queens”

LISTEN: How Gloria Gaynor gave us another gay anthem with this Broadway cover
retro record

LISTEN: How Gloria Gaynor gave us another gay anthem with this Broadway cover

Daddies, demons, disco, and more “one-hit wonder” TV shows to stream this weekend
weekend watch

Daddies, demons, disco, and more “one-hit wonder” TV shows to stream this weekend

PHOTOS: First look at ‘A Transparent Musical’ starring Peppermint
meet the pfeffermans

PHOTOS: First look at ‘A Transparent Musical’ starring Peppermint


 Queerty Pride
Christian Chávez is going back on tour with RBD, and this time he’s bringing his full self
center stage

Christian Chávez is going back on tour with RBD, and this time he’s bringing his full self

Beyond ‘The Birdcage’: Looking back at Nathan Lane’s greatest, gayest moments
a lane all his own

Beyond ‘The Birdcage’: Looking back at Nathan Lane’s greatest, gayest moments

Brittney & Cherelle Griner are the inspiring team America needs right now
icons

Brittney & Cherelle Griner are the inspiring team America needs right now

Roberta Colindrez is a queer butch Latina in a league of her own
butch realness

Roberta Colindrez is a queer butch Latina in a league of her own


Latest on Queerty

Comedian Tim Murray spills the (green) tea on his upcoming ‘WITCHES!’ debut
queer coven

Comedian Tim Murray spills the (green) tea on his upcoming ‘WITCHES!’ debut

Today at 6:05am
PHOTOS: 25 childhood heartthrobs from Disney Channel who sparked our gay awakenings
prince charmings

PHOTOS: 25 childhood heartthrobs from Disney Channel who sparked our gay awakenings

Today at 5:05am
Matt Palmer’s big stretch, Max Emerson’s circus act, & Felipe Ferreira’s beach date
instastuds
7 comments

Matt Palmer’s big stretch, Max Emerson’s circus act, & Felipe Ferreira’s beach date

An acclaimed director’s forgotten gay comedy is filled with stereotypes about “bitter old queens”
a gay old time

An acclaimed director’s forgotten gay comedy is filled with stereotypes about “bitter old queens”

Christian Chávez is going back on tour with RBD, and this time he’s bringing his full self
center stage

Christian Chávez is going back on tour with RBD, and this time he’s bringing his full self

It’s finally shorts season, and the gays are checking their inseams
thigh's the limit

It’s finally shorts season, and the gays are checking their inseams

Today at 1:05am
The hunky puppeteer behind ‘The Little Mermaid’s Flounder has got the internet all wet
midnight snacc

The hunky puppeteer behind ‘The Little Mermaid’s Flounder has got the internet all wet

How this US state quietly became a refugee state for trans people
safe space

How this US state quietly became a refugee state for trans people

Get to know Keith Haring: A celebration of queer activism and playful artistry
gay legend

Get to know Keith Haring: A celebration of queer activism and playful artistry

PHOTOS: 15 images of Troye Sivan serving his finest twink energy
blooming

PHOTOS: 15 images of Troye Sivan serving his finest twink energy

LISTEN: How Gloria Gaynor gave us another gay anthem with this Broadway cover
retro record

LISTEN: How Gloria Gaynor gave us another gay anthem with this Broadway cover

Daddies, demons, disco, and more “one-hit wonder” TV shows to stream this weekend
weekend watch

Daddies, demons, disco, and more “one-hit wonder” TV shows to stream this weekend

Free of an agenda (except that gay one)
Andy Cohen Bowen Yang Colton Haynes Colton Underwood Elton John Gus Kenworthy Lil Nas X Madonna Meghan Markle
Relationships Grindr Rupaul's Drag Race Screen Gems Twitter The Queerty Interview
  • Q.digital
  • A Q.Digital Company
  • © 2023 Queerty, Inc.
  • Proudly LGBTQ+ Owned and Operated 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact

  • Share a Tip
  • Comments Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Notice for California Residents
  • Follow

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • GayCities: Your Gay Travel Guide:

  • New York
  • London
  • San Francisco
  • Chicago
  • Los Angeles
  • Washington DC
  • Dallas
  • Gay Saskatoon
  • See all 230+ cities...

Queerty is a trademark of Q.Digital, Inc., registered in the state of California.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Save & Accept