2. Applying for Sexual Orientation-Based
Asylum: Q&A with Alexander Vrbanoff
Alexander Vrbanoff has practiced law in Chicago
since 1990, and he has won a number of asylum
cases. His primary focus is immigration law,
although he has also been successful in personal
injury law and medical malpractice.
3. Applying for Sexual Orientation-Based
Asylum: Q&A with Alexander Vrbanoff
Question: How does the United States government
decide whether to grant asylum based on sexual
orientation?
Answer: The burden for sexuality-based asylum is
the same as for any other grounds; it was added to
the very short list in 1994. Asylum seekers almost
always have to prove that they faced persecution in
the past and they will face similar danger if
returned to their mother country.
4. Applying for Sexual Orientation-Based
Asylum: Q&A with Alexander Vrbanoff
Question: What constitutes “persecution” in this
scenario?
Answer: Simple bullying by peers is certainly not
enough to be granted asylum, and neither is
violence committed against the asylum seeker by
other citizens. The acts should be more a function
of the government, police force, or militia, such as
police arresting or causing harm to someone as
punishment for homosexual activities.
