Deportation -- Its Not Just for Heterosexuals
Homeland Security Goes After the Queer Community
Story by Annie Sayo // Art by Thuy Ngo

Ever since 2001, immigrants of all backgrounds are experiencing heightened threats due to homeland security. The number of deportees has sky-rocketed and the threats to immigrants has deepened in all communities. However, deportation is not exclusive to heterosexuals only.

Filipino queer issues have not been raised yet, nor have they been examined, even by those fighting for immigrants right. Homophobia and transphobia is so prevalent, law makers are attempting to blatantly implement laws against lesbians, gays and trans peoples. The case of Donita Ganzon and husband Jiffy Javanella, is an example of such measures.

Donita and Jiffy are not only encountering heterosexism but anti-immigrant sentiment as well. Currently, EMPAQu (Empowering the Movement of Pinays And Queers) and FOCUS (Filipino Community Support) is working side by side with the couple. Although California recently stated that banning same sex marriage is unconstitutional, the struggle for queer immigrants of color has just begun.

Donita Ganzon arrived in the U.S. in 1974 and gained her U.S. citizenship in 1987. Her husband, Jiffy Javanella, arrived in the U.S. in 2001 on a working permit to be with his wife. Donita initiated the petition process for Jiffy and both patiently waited to hear whether or not Jiffy was going to be granted permanent residency until July 2004 when Donita was interviewed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Here, DHS manipulated Donita into signing a form that withdrew the peition for her husband. They told her that the form was only to confirm her being transsexual, but this in turn ultimately led to the removal of Jiffy's work permit due to DHS disapproval of Donita's sex operation reassignment (gay and lesbian relationships are deemed illegitimate).

On November 18, 2004, the couple filed the case against Department of Homeland Security. On March 25, 2005, one of the couple's attorney's, Deborah Sossoux fast tracked the work permit process to be reinstated for Jiffy. They finally granted Jiffy a work permit that will only last for one year, which is why the couple will pursue taking their case to the Superior Court later on.

The Department of Homeland Security was initially implemented to protect national security and U.S. citizens from the terrorism. What does sexual orientation and queer politics have anything to do with terrorism? Embracing the Movement of Pinays And Queers (EMPAQu) calls for all organizations in our communities to support all Filipino families facing deportation, stop the racist and heterosexist Department of Homeland Security from interrupting the lives of innocent people and protect our civil liberties at a time of social and political national insecurity.

Donita says, "There is much more to do even though California finds banning gay marriage unconstitutional. The struggle continues for all queer people especially immigrants."