Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Immigrants in the United States

Abstract

Latinos and Latinas (Latin@s) lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBTs) attempting to enter into the U.S. experience significant challenges that are systemic in the processes and application of the U.S. immigration laws. Latin@s are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States according to the Office of the U.S. Census 2010 data. The foci of this article are to review the challenges in obtaining entry and a U.S. visa from those in Latin America, to examine the extent of reported violence experienced by Latin@ LGBTs, to understand the major ways LGBTs are targeted in Latin America that motivates them to seek refuge, and to illustrate ways health and human services providers can intervene.

KEYWORDS:

• hate crimes
• immigration
• Latino LGBT