Transgender Asylum Seekers from the U.S. Flee to the Netherlands Amid Rising Fears

In recent years, Ter Apel, a small town in the Netherlands, has become an unexpected refuge for a growing number of American asylum seekers, particularly transgender individuals. Following the re-election of Donald Trump, reports indicate that 76 Americans sought asylum in the Netherlands in 2025, a significant increase from just nine in 2024. Many of these individuals, like Jane-Michelle Arc, a 47-year-old software engineer, cite fears for their safety as the primary reason for their departure from the U.S. Arc described her experience in America as increasingly hostile, stating she felt unsafe leaving her home and had faced abuse in public spaces.

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Upon arrival, asylum seekers are directed to the Ter Apel refugee camp, which is characterized by its fenced surroundings and security presence. Residents are free to come and go but must adhere to strict check-in protocols. Arc, who was placed in a section designated for LGBTQ+ individuals, noted the shared experiences of fear and danger among the residents, which included trans individuals from various countries. Despite the camp's challenges, including overcrowding and inadequate facilities, Arc found solace in the community formed among the asylum seekers.

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The return of Donald Trump to the presidency has intensified fears among transgender individuals in the U.S. Ashe Wilde, another American asylum seeker, highlighted the rise in anti-trans sentiment, particularly following Trump's inauguration speech, which emphasized a binary understanding of gender. Wilde expressed concern over the increasing violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals, stating that even in liberal states like Massachusetts, hostility persists. Arc echoed these sentiments, explaining that the erosion of anti-discrimination protections under Trump's administration left many feeling vulnerable and unsafe.

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Despite the alarming circumstances, the likelihood of American asylum seekers being granted refuge in the Netherlands remains low. Marlou Schrover, a professor at Leiden University, explained that the UN refugee convention imposes stringent requirements for asylum claims, necessitating proof of persecution and prior attempts to seek help from local authorities. The Dutch government is also hesitant to label the U.S. as an unsafe country, fearing diplomatic repercussions. This has resulted in automatic rejections for many applicants, including Lisa Gayle Carter-Stewart and her transgender teenager, Nox, whose asylum request was denied despite Nox's expressed suicidal ideation if forced to return to the U.S.

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The prospect of deportation poses severe risks for transgender asylum seekers. Arc articulated fears of being detained by U.S. authorities, potentially leading to violence or even death. Wilde emphasized the threat of being forced to detransition due to restricted access to hormone therapy in the U.S. Both individuals conveyed a profound sense of loss regarding their identities and the emotional toll of potentially returning to an environment they perceive as life-threatening.

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• “And I did it because I was afraid for my life. I didn’t do this in secret. I talked to everybody I knew. I said: ‘I am planning to do this wildly stupid thing.’ Everybody said: ‘I don’t love this for you, but there is no other option.’” — Jane-Michelle Arc, Asylum Seeker

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• “Nox even told the IND during their interview when they asked, what will you do if you have to return to America? Nox told them: ‘I will kill myself.’ None of that was considered in their decision-making process.” — Lisa Gayle Carter-Stewart, Asylum Seeker

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• “I can’t imagine trying to stuff myself back into that person that I used to be …” — Ashe Wilde, Asylum Seeker

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The plight of transgender asylum seekers from the U.S. highlights the intersection of personal safety, legal challenges, and the broader implications of political climates on marginalized communities.

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