New York, NY. — Immigration Equality hosted its signature fundraising event, the Safe Haven Awards, at the iconic New-York Historical Society on May 21, 2015. Over 400 of the non-profit's supporters, clients and activists united to honor LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants. The organization celebrated its accomplishments over the last year, which includes over 700 asylum wins. More than $450,000 was raised to provide free legal services to LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants fleeing persecution and torture.
In 2014 alone, Immigration Equality received over 4,500 calls for help. Currently, more than 500 clients are being served by Immigration Equality and its pro bono partners, a 100 percent increase from 2013. Still, with the remarkable increase in clients, Immigration Equality maintains an impressive 98 percent win rate.
"The funds raised at the Safe Haven Awards enable us to take on more clients who are fleeing persecution," said Jo Chen, event Co-Chair and board member. "We represent more than 500 clients and the need for our legal services — which we provide free — is greater than ever."
This year, Immigration Equality honored three of its Pro Bono partners, Dechert, LLP, Hogan Lovells US LLP, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Visit www.immigrationequality.org to learn more about some of the non-profit's clients and how you can help.
Since 1994, Immigration Equality has been representing LGBT and HIV-positive asylum seekers, detainees, and binational couples, who are fighting for safety, fair treatment, and freedom. Immigration Equality represents people from around the world fleeing violence, abuse and persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV status. Our team of legal experts has won asylum for more than 700 LGBT and HIV-positive individuals.
