Michelle Carranza, Gretta Mazariegos, and Isaac Mazariegos, three friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, fled from Honduras due to persecution and discrimination. Michelle Carranza expressed her fear of being killed in Honduras due to the constant threats and harassment they faced from street gangs and other individuals. They decided to leave the country in search of safety and acceptance, beginning a dangerous journey that took them through Guatemala, Mexico, and eventually to Tijuana near the U.S. border.
In Tijuana, Michelle Carranza faced a traumatic experience when a man who had befriended her turned violent and sexually assaulted her. Despite this traumatizing event, they continued to persevere and sought asylum in the United States, hoping to find safety and protection from the persecution they faced in their home country. The journey to seek asylum was not easy, as they waited for months for an appointment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and faced new border restrictions imposed by President Joe Biden.
The three friends managed to enter the U.S. border legally and are now waiting for their preliminary court date in October 2024. They hope to request asylum based on the persecution they faced due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV status. Legal representation is essential in navigating the asylum process, as they need to provide evidence of the abuse they experienced to support their case. LGBTQ+ status is considered a protected ground for asylum under U.S. law, but collecting evidence can be challenging for asylum-seekers.
LGBTQ asylum-seekers often face barriers in collecting evidence such as police reports and medical records, as they may have been dismissed or ignored by authorities in their home countries. Michelle Carranza and her friends plan to gather all the evidence they have of the abuse they faced, including conversations, images, and videos saved on their phones. While they feel hopeful and safe in their new home in Trenton, New Jersey, they are still navigating the complex immigration process and preparing for their upcoming court date to present their asylum case.
The trio is eager to start a new chapter in their lives in the United States, with Gretta Mazariegos expressing their desire to continue their studies and contribute to the country through work. Isaac Mazariegos feels protected in the U.S. and liberated from the discrimination they faced in Honduras. Michelle Carranza reflects on their journey with a sense of liberation and happiness, grateful for the opportunity to be in a country where they can be themselves and live without fear of persecution. Despite the challenges they have faced, they remain resilient and hopeful for a better future in their new home.
