I am raising funds to hire lawyers for 4 Angolan gay men who are currently living (LEGALLY) in Portland, Maine, and are filing for asylum under U.S. law. Against all odds, these young men--in their 20s and 30s--fled Angola for Brazil and made the arduous and often deadly overland trip to the U.S. With the recent change of administration in Washington, they face increased challenges in winning their asylum cases. But with the help of an immigration lawyer, their chances of success increase.

The political climate in Angola is violent and repressive, and LGBTQ people are at acute risk. One of the young men was severely beaten unconscious by government security forces and was able to flee the country with the help of a gay activist, who himself was murdered in his own apartment shortly thereafter. Another worked as a journalist before coming to the U.S., and his life would be in extreme danger if he were deported.

We are asking our friends and community for help raising funds for these men. 100% of the proceeds will go to hiring immigration lawyers. No contribution is too small. Every dollar adds up and will go a long way toward securing a brighter future for these young men. Two of the men have work permits and are already working and paying taxes, and two are living in shelters and waiting for their work authorizations. We need to raise $5000 to pay the legal fees for each person.