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Here is a sample press release. Copy and Paste this and send it to your local journalists, and sign your name at the bottom. 

Crisis at the Border! Helping Trans Migrant Refugees

Press Release 2022:

The survival and safety of LGBTQIA+ migrant refugees (predominantly trans) is a major issue. Currently, four LGBTQIA+ people are murdered every day in Central and Latin America. Moreover, at least 1,300 LGBTQIA+ people have been murdered in these regions in the past five years, with Colombia, Mexico, and Honduras accounting for nearly 90% of deaths.

Out of all the stigmatized and oppressed individuals, trans migrant refugees have been the most systematically targeted and discriminated against in Central and Latin America. This is through acts of violence, war, discrimination, rape, kidnapping, trafficking, assault, torture, and murder. There is a sliver of hope for those who might have the chance to reach the border city of Juarez, Mexico, where they await their chance to cross the border into El Paso, Texas. Yet, even in Juarez certain norms are still a huge deterrent for many people of this population to endure, since they will face many of the same aggressions they experienced in their own countries.

The immigration process to cross the border is long and bureaucratic. Resources are hard to attain, and the government is unforgiving. LGBTQIA+ migrants have been unable to receive treatment, both medical and psychological, and have been turned away from receiving resources (including food, clothing, transportation, and housing). They are most often left to fend for themselves in the streets of Juarez, Mexico.

Moreover, after the initiation of Article 42 during the Trump era, which prevents migrants to cross the US border because of the Covid Pandemic, and the MPP (Mexico Permanence Program/ Remain in Mexico Program), the Biden Administration lagged on amending these policies, to the detriment of many.

           There are several non-profits that are working tirelessly through advocacy, legal and social aid, and by providing resources for migrant refugees that identify as LGBTQIA+, predominantly trans and those living with HIV/ AIDS. These resources include clean water, food, clothing, shelter / shelter referral, telecommunications services, social worker and immigration lawyers on call, medical care, and - for very special circumstances - stipend services (cash in hand).

To help trans migrant refugees, there are many non-profits and coalitions that need support: including Santa Fe Dreamers, Las Americas, Movimiento Cosecha, Casa de Colores and the DHIA.

Please support these organizations:

Santa Fe Dreamers: http://www.santafedreamersproject.org/

Las Americas: https://las-americas.org/

Movimiento Cosecha: https://www.lahuelga.com/

Casa de Colores: https://linktr.ee/casa.de.colores.2021

And

DHIA: https://dhia.mx/

Currently, Casa de Colores is fundraising to build and renovate a much-needed shelter in El Paso, Texas for those crossing the border with no place to go. Please donate to their GoFundMe page, https://www.gofundme.com/f/casa-de-colores-crisis-shelter-for-trans-migrants or reach out to: Sen-Pei Hsia, senpeihsia@casadecolores.org.

In Solidarity,

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