US - Homosexual refugee wins asylum in the United States

07 December 2004

A homosexual Nigerian man who fled his native country last year and was held for 11 months while he awaited asylum in the United States has won the right to stay. The Nigerian fled to America after an angry mob murdered his second partner upon discovering that the two men were romantically involved.

He arrived in New York without immigration documents and was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The gay advocacy group Immigration Equality soon met with the refugee and secured pro-bono legal representation for him.

Earlier this year the Nigerian's asylum request was rejected in large part because he was unable to present documentary evidence corroborating his claim. But his attorney helped him obtain his slain partner's death certificate, and a key witness stepped forward to testify on his behalf. A new hearing was scheduled pending new evidence and after a review the court ruled the Nigerian's life would be at risk if he would return to his home country.

The Nigerian is permitted to remain in the United States indefinitely and can apply for legal permanent residence after one year. Still, the Department of Homeland Security has reserved appeal in the case, so his ordeal may not be over.

For more information about work and life in the United States, please find more information on our US pages. We also have information about the Green Card lottery program.