UM Asylum

The mission of this student-led initiative is to advocate for victims and survivors of human rights violations and serve as a voice for those who have limited access to such resources. We have a lot of exciting projects underway at UMAC, from innovative research studies to new initiatives we hope will streamline the evaluation process for those seeking asylum.

You can make a difference in the story of a person seeking asylum in the U.S. with your gift today. Fleeing persecution, these people have risked everything to arrive in the U.S. only to face the daunting task of convincing a court that they are indeed eligible for asylum.

This process often involves traumatic retelling of intensely personal stories of violence, abuse, and fear. The medical evaluation can play a vital role in the case, lending credibility to the stories told through the documentation of physical signs of abuse or torture.

By supporting our organization, you are enabling us to increase our capacity to conduct forensic evaluations and medical affidavits for asylum, human trafficking, and other legal cases in which survivors of human rights abuses are seeking legal protection.

The money we raise will go towards funding further training for medical students, residents, fellows, and physicians. These trainings will be especially important as we seek to increase the number of virtual evaluations we conduct in states with an abundance of asylum cases.

Furthermore, you are enabling us to increase our advocacy work through the creation of video content designed to engage and educate asylum seekers about the positive impact a medical evaluation can have on the outcome of their case. Made in coordination with Freedom House Detroit, these videos will help educate asylum seekers and their families as they make their way through this difficult experience.

In exciting new developments, you are also supporting us as we travel to other institutions to share the exciting research that we are conducting. We will also be expanding our policy work collaborative through the American Medical Association. Your contributions allow us to continue our work, as well as sponsor our travel fees as we work to further our relationships with other organizations and spread our mission!

Thank you very much for your support.