Key Takeaways
• A coalition of 52 House Democrats demands proof of life and release of deported asylum-seeker Andry José Hernández Romero.
• Romero, a gay Venezuelan asylum-seeker, was deported to El Salvador and held in a high-security prison in August 2024.
• Romero passed initial asylum interview but was deported without contact for over a month, raising serious safety concerns.
A coalition of 52 House Democrats is urgently demanding answers about the fate of Andry José Hernández Romero, a 31-year-old gay asylum-seeker who was deported from the United States 🇺🇸 to El Salvador 🇸🇻 in August 2024. The lawmakers, led by California Representative Robert Garcia, sent a letter on June 9, 2025, to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling for proof of life, legal access, and the immediate release of Romero. This case has sparked national debate about the treatment of LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers, the fairness of U.S. deportation policies, and the risks faced by vulnerable migrants sent back to dangerous environments.
Who Is Andry José Hernández Romero and Why Is His Case Important?
Andry José Hernández Romero is a hairdresser from Venezuela 🇻🇪 who fled his home country to escape persecution for being gay. After arriving in the United States 🇺🇸, he applied for asylum, a process meant to protect people who face serious harm in their home countries because of their identity, beliefs, or other protected reasons. Romero passed his initial asylum interview, which usually means the person can stay in the U.S. while their case moves forward.
However, in August 2024, U.S. immigration officers detained Romero and deported him to El Salvador 🇸🇻, a country known for high levels of violence against LGBTQ+ people. He was sent directly to a high-security prison. Since then, his family and lawyers have not been able to contact him for over a month. This silence has raised fears about his safety and well-being.
Why Did Lawmakers Take Action?
The coalition of 52 Democrats, led by Rep. Robert Garcia, stepped in after learning about Romero’s deportation and the lack of information about his condition. They sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken (the letter was mistakenly addressed to Marco Rubio, who is not the Secretary of State) asking for:
- A wellness check to confirm Romero is alive and safe
- Immediate legal access so Romero can speak with his lawyers
- His immediate release from prison in El Salvador
Rep. Garcia stressed that Romero’s deportation happened even though he had no criminal record and had already shown he faced persecution in Venezuela 🇻🇪 for being gay. The lawmakers argue that the U.S. government has a responsibility to protect people like Romero, especially during Pride Month, which highlights the struggles and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
What Happened During Romero’s Asylum Process?
The U.S. asylum process is supposed to protect people who fear harm in their home countries. Here’s how it usually works:
- Application: The person applies for asylum, explaining why they fear returning home.
- Initial Interview: An officer interviews the applicant to see if their fear is real and if they qualify for protection.
- Further Review: If the person passes the first interview, their case moves forward, and they usually stay in the U.S. while waiting for a final decision.
Romero passed his initial interview, which should have allowed him to remain in the U.S. However, he was deported as part of a broader U.S. effort to remove alleged Venezuelan gang members. Human rights groups and lawmakers say this was a mistake and that Romero’s rights were violated.
Why Is El Salvador Dangerous for LGBTQ+ People?
El Salvador 🇸🇻 has a long history of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community there face:
- Physical attacks and threats
- Harassment by police and gangs
- Lack of legal protection
- Difficulty finding safe housing or work
Sending Romero, a gay man, to a high-security prison in El Salvador puts him at serious risk. Human rights advocates warn that LGBTQ+ people in Salvadoran prisons are often targeted for abuse and violence.
What Are the Main Concerns About Romero’s Deportation?
Romero’s case has raised several important concerns:
- Risk of Persecution: As a gay man, Romero faces a high risk of violence in El Salvador.
- Lack of Due Process: He was deported even though he passed his initial asylum interview and had no criminal record.
- No Contact: His family and lawyers have not heard from him in over a month, raising fears for his safety.
- Government Accountability: U.S. officials, including Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, have refused to confirm Romero’s status, making it harder for his supporters to help him.
What Are Lawmakers and Advocates Doing Now?
The coalition of 52 Democrats is pushing for immediate action. Their letter to Secretary Blinken asks for:
- Proof of life: Confirmation that Romero is alive and safe
- Legal access: The right for Romero to speak with his lawyers
- Release from prison: So Romero is not exposed to further harm
Rep. Ritchie Torres, another lawmaker, has donated to efforts to free Romero from prison. Advocacy groups like the Immigrant Defenders Law Center are also working to raise awareness and push for Romero’s release.
How Does This Case Affect Other Asylum-Seekers?
Romero’s situation is not unique. Many asylum-seekers, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community, face similar risks if deported to countries with high levels of violence and discrimination. This case highlights problems in the U.S. immigration system, such as:
- Inconsistent application of asylum rules
- Lack of protection for vulnerable groups
- Difficulty in getting fair hearings and legal help
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Romero’s deportation shows that even people who follow the rules and pass their interviews can still be sent to dangerous places if the system fails them.
What Are the Practical Steps for Asylum-Seekers Facing Deportation?
If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, here’s what usually happens:
- Initial Asylum Interview: You must explain why you fear returning home. If you pass, you should be able to stay in the U.S. while your case continues.
- Deportation Proceedings: If the government decides to deport you, you may be removed before your case is fully heard.
- Legal and Advocacy Support: Lawmakers and advocacy groups can sometimes step in to help, especially if there are signs your rights were violated.
If you need help, you can find information about asylum and deportation on the U.S. Department of State’s official website.
What Are the Broader Policy Issues?
Romero’s case has brought attention to several policy problems:
- Immigration Policies: The U.S. system sometimes fails to protect people who are at risk, especially LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers.
- Human Rights: Deporting people to countries where they face violence goes against basic human rights principles.
- Due Process: Everyone should have a fair chance to present their case and get legal help before being deported.
Lawmakers and advocates are calling for reforms to make sure cases like Romero’s do not happen again.
What Do Experts Say?
Experts on immigration and human rights stress the need for:
- Stronger protections for LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers
- Better training for immigration officers
- Clear rules to prevent wrongful deportations
They warn that sending people back to dangerous countries can lead to serious harm or even death. They also point out that the U.S. has a legal and moral duty to protect people fleeing persecution.
How Are Different Groups Responding?
- Lawmakers: Many Democrats are demanding action to protect Romero and others like him.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations are raising awareness and pushing for Romero’s release.
- Government Officials: Some officials have not confirmed Romero’s status, which has increased concerns about transparency and accountability.
What Is the Future Outlook for Romero and Similar Cases?
The future for Romero remains uncertain. Lawmakers and advocates will likely keep pushing for his release and for changes in U.S. immigration policies. Possible developments include:
- Policy Reforms: New rules to protect vulnerable asylum-seekers and ensure fair treatment.
- International Pressure: Other countries and human rights groups may urge El Salvador to improve conditions for LGBTQ+ people.
- Continued Advocacy: Supporters will keep working to make sure Romero’s case is not forgotten.
What Can You Do If You Want to Help?
If you want to support Romero or others in similar situations, you can:
- Contact your lawmakers: Ask them to support protections for LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers.
- Donate to advocacy groups: Organizations like the Immigrant Defenders Law Center work to protect people like Romero.
- Stay informed: Follow news from sources like The Advocate and PinkNews for updates on Romero’s case and related issues.
Key Takeaways
- Andry José Hernández Romero, a gay asylum-seeker from Venezuela 🇻🇪, was deported from the United States 🇺🇸 to El Salvador 🇸🇻 in August 2024, despite passing his initial asylum interview.
- A coalition of 52 House Democrats, led by Rep. Robert Garcia, is demanding proof of life, legal access, and Romero’s immediate release.
- Romero’s family and lawyers have not heard from him for over a month, raising serious concerns about his safety.
- The case highlights problems in the U.S. immigration system, especially for LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers.
- Lawmakers and advocates are calling for policy reforms to prevent similar cases in the future.
Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of State: Asylum Information
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center: Advocacy and legal support for immigrants
- The Advocate and PinkNews: News and updates on LGBTQ+ issues and Romero’s case
Final Thoughts
The story of Andry José Hernández Romero is a powerful reminder of the real-life impact of immigration policies. It shows how important it is for governments to protect the most vulnerable, especially those fleeing violence and persecution because of who they are. As lawmakers, advocates, and everyday people continue to push for answers and justice, Romero’s case stands as a call for greater fairness, transparency, and compassion in the immigration system.
Learn Today
Asylum-seeker → An individual seeking refuge in another country due to fear of persecution or harm in their home country.
Deportation → The forced removal of a person from a country, typically for violating immigration laws or security reasons.
Initial asylum interview → The first screening where an official assesses if an asylum applicant has a credible fear of persecution.
LGBTQ+ → An acronym referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and communities.
High-security prison → A detention facility with strict controls designed to hold inmates considered dangerous or at risk.
This Article in a Nutshell
Andry José Hernández Romero, deported despite passing asylum interview, is held in El Salvador’s prison. Lawmakers demand proof of life, legal access, and his immediate release to protect vulnerable LGBTQ+ migrants from dangerous U.S. deportation policies and deepen immigrant rights protections nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
