‘I was afraid for my life’: the transgender refugees fleeing Trump’s America

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 8 min read 100% complete by Helen Pidd and Eli BlockJanuary 19, 2026 at 01:00 PM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

A growing number of Americans, including transgender individuals, are seeking asylum in the Netherlands, citing fears for their safety following Donald Trump's return to the White House. In 2024, 76 Americans claimed asylum in the Netherlands, a significant increase from nine the previous year. These asylum seekers are residing in Dutch refugee camps alongside individuals fleeing war-torn countries. Some Americans, like Jane-Michelle Arc, a transgender software engineer, describe a hostile environment in the U.S. marked by harassment and fear of violence. They are seeking refuge in the Netherlands, which houses asylum seekers in reception centers while their cases are processed.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Germany 40% San Francisco 40% Amsterdam 40% Somalis 50% Syrians 50% Eritreans 50% Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) 60% UK ×260% Jane-Michelle Arc 70% Ter Apel ×380% Donald Trump 90% Netherlands ×390%

Keywords

transgender refugees 100% asylum seekers 80% netherlands 70% refugee camp 60% political asylum 60% discrimination 50% united states 50% hostile environment 40%