Seeking Sanctuary: LGBTQ+ Americans Find Freedom in Amsterdam
Amidst increasing discrimination, some LGBTQ+ Americans, like Alex and Lucy, are relocating to countries like the Netherlands. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows them to live and work in the Netherlands, offering safety and inclusivity. The climate of fear in the U.S. pushes people to seek safe havens abroad.
In the wake of mounting discrimination under Trump's administration, some LGBTQ+ Americans are seeking refuge abroad, with the Netherlands emerging as a favored sanctuary. For Alex and Lucy, a trans couple from Arizona, this move meant rediscovering simple joys like holding hands publicly.
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty provides a pathway for U.S. citizens to live and work in the Netherlands by starting a small business, thus attracting many LGBTQ+ individuals seeking legal protections. While exact numbers are unavailable, reports indicate a rise in DAFT visa applications, suggesting increased interest post-2016.
Despite the financial burden of relocating, the right-wing climate in the U.S. has fueled fears of eroded LGBTQ+ rights, prompting further inquiries about moving overseas. Dutch immigration officials report a modest increase in asylum applications from the U.S., highlighting the shifting attitudes among American LGBTQ+ citizens.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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