# QARAVAN > QARAVAN (legal name RUSA LGBTQ Corp.) is a community of LGBTQ+ immigrants, asylum seekers and allies in New York, active since 2008 and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2022 (EIN 88-3859648). Based in Brooklyn, New York. QARAVAN does not provide legal services and does not arrange visas, invitations or evacuation. It refers people to lawyers and services, writes letters of support for members' cases, and runs events, support groups and Brighton Beach Pride. The site is in English and Russian; each resource guide shows the date it was last checked against official sources. Русская версия: https://www.qaravan.org/ru/llms.txt Full text of all resource guides, English and Russian: https://www.qaravan.org/llms-full.txt ## Key pages - [QARAVAN (formerly RUSA LGBTQ+): LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/): A community of LGBTQ+ immigrants, asylum seekers and allies in Brooklyn, New York, since 2008. - [About QARAVAN: We are LGBTQ+ immigrants](https://www.qaravan.org/about/): A community of LGBTQ+ immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees and allies in New York since 2008, and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2022. - [QARAVAN programs in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/programs/): QARAVAN programs: Brighton Beach Pride, QARAVAN Connects, Community Building Events, Rainbow Connections, Health and Mental Health Support and Resource… - [Resources for LGBTQ+ immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/): Guides on immigration and asylum, housing, work, money, health care, mental health, safety and life in New York, each with its sources and the date it was… - [Events in New York: We meet every week](https://www.qaravan.org/events/): Meetups, hikes, film nights and support groups. Open to everyone. - [Contact QARAVAN](https://www.qaravan.org/contact/): Contact QARAVAN in New York: the contact form, the Telegram community and Instagram @qaravan_org. - [Volunteer with QARAVAN in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/involved/): Volunteers are the heart of QARAVAN. Event coordination, Brighton Beach Pride, NYC Pride, in-person support. - [Donate to QARAVAN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/donate/): Commit to change with a monthly donation. QARAVAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 88-3859648; donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. - [QARAVAN in the press: 158 stories since 2012](https://www.qaravan.org/press/): Press coverage of QARAVAN since 2012, including The New York Times, NPR, The Guardian, CBS News and HuffPost. ## Resource guides: what to do and where to go - [IDs and documents: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/): How to get an ID or a driver's license in New York, and a Social Security number or an ITIN. - [English and education: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/): Where to learn English for free in New York and how to enroll a child in school. If you want to go to college, we explain how to apply, have a foreign… - [Health care and insurance: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/): Doctors, medicines and insurance in New York if you have little money or no status. - [Housing: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/): Where to spend the night if you have nowhere to go, how to keep your home and get help with rent, and how to rent a room or an apartment in New York City… - [Immigration and asylum: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/): How to apply for asylum, keep up with court, get a work permit and avoid scams. - [LGBTQ+ services: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/): Where LGBTQ+ people in New York can find protection, doctors, help with asylum, documents and housing, and community, including if you've just arrived. - [Mental health and support groups: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/mental-health/): Where to turn if you are in emotional crisis, and how to find a therapist without insurance or at a low cost. - [Money, food, benefits and taxes: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/): Which benefits you can get in New York depends on your immigration status. We explain how to apply, where to get free food when there is nothing at home, how… - [Life in New York: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/): How to get by in New York on little money: where to get warm in winter and find free food, how to get the City's IDNYC card and ride for half price, where to… - [Safety and your rights: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/): What to do if you are in danger or have been hurt, if ICE comes to your door or someone close to you is detained, and how to deal with the police. - [Work: a guide for immigrants in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/): How to get the right to work, find a job or free training and get hired. We also explain what the law guarantees you, where to complain if you are not paid… ## Programs - [QARAVAN Connects, a QARAVAN program](https://www.qaravan.org/programs/connects/): Moving to a new country can be lonely, and many newcomers have the same questions. - [Community Building Events, a QARAVAN program](https://www.qaravan.org/programs/events/): Every week: movie nights in the park, museum tours, hikes, and talks on health, education and work. - [Health and Mental Health Support, a QARAVAN program](https://www.qaravan.org/programs/health/): Moving because of persecution is hard, and being an LGBTQ+ asylum seeker adds more layers. - [Pro Se Legal Assistance, a QARAVAN program](https://www.qaravan.org/programs/legal/): The US immigration system is complex: intricate forms, long waits and costly mistakes. - [Brighton Beach Pride, a QARAVAN program](https://www.qaravan.org/programs/pride/): The first Russian-language Pride in New York, held every year since 2017 on the Brighton Beach boardwalk in southern Brooklyn. - [Rainbow Connections, a QARAVAN program](https://www.qaravan.org/programs/rainbow/): Our newest program connects newly arrived LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers with local LGBTQIA+ volunteers. - [Resource Navigation, a QARAVAN program](https://www.qaravan.org/programs/resources/): A new life is hard to navigate, especially in a new language. ## News and statements - [Ezra Abdullabekov becomes Acting Executive Director](https://www.qaravan.org/news/acting-executive-director/): On June 16, 2026, QARAVAN’s board of directors appointed its Vice President, Ezra Abdullabekov, Acting Executive Director, to put the organization’s work and… - [Brighton Beach Pride turns 10](https://www.qaravan.org/news/brighton-beach-pride-10-press-release/): Press release, for immediate release. Brooklyn, NY. For a decade, the annual Brighton Beach Pride (BBP) has served as a vital beacon of visibility and… - [More than 350 people march at the 10th Brighton Beach Pride](https://www.qaravan.org/news/brighton-beach-pride-10/): On May 31, 2026, more than 350 people joined QARAVAN’s 10th Brighton Beach Pride on the Riegelmann Boardwalk, and the New York State Senate honored the… - [QARAVAN invites Mayor Mamdani to Brighton Beach Pride](https://www.qaravan.org/news/gracie-mansion-2026/): On October 22, 2026, QARAVAN invited Mayor Zohran Mamdani to the next Brighton Beach Pride at his Eastern-European Cultural Heritage Reception at Gracie… - [A Halloween hike closes QARAVAN’s 2026 hiking season](https://www.qaravan.org/news/hiking-season-2026/): On October 24, 2026, 19 people hiked in costume to Feltville, a deserted 19th-century village in New Jersey’s Watchung Reservation. - [QARAVAN joins the New York City Trans and Queer Coalition](https://www.qaravan.org/news/nyc-trans-and-queer-coalition/): In September 2026, QARAVAN joined The New York City Trans and Queer Coalition (NYCTQC), which is calling on the City to create a $15 million LGBTQ+ Immigrant… - [Pavel Talankin brings his Oscar to QARAVAN’s screening](https://www.qaravan.org/news/oscar-screening/): On April 28, 2026, more than 100 people came to QARAVAN’s screening of the Oscar-winning documentary “Mr. - [Statement on Recent Federal Policies Impacting Immigrants and LGBTQIA+ Communities](https://www.qaravan.org/statements/federal-policies/): QARAVAN strongly condemns recent executive orders by President Trump that target immigrants, asylum seekers, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. - [Statement on the killing of O'Shae Sibley](https://www.qaravan.org/statements/oshae-sibley/): QARAVAN has been mourning the loss of O'Shae Sibley, a 28 year old Black queer dancer murdered at a gas station in Midwood on July 29 —, a pain shared by the… - [“Our Love is not extremism”](https://www.qaravan.org/statements/our-love-is-not-extremism/): Brighton Beach, USA - March 11th, 2024 - QARAVAN, a community-based non-profit network for the Eurasian LGBTQ+ immigrant community in the United States, is… - [QARAVAN signs the unified statement of 100+ LGBTQ organizations in support of racial justice](https://www.qaravan.org/statements/racial-justice/): “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. - [The 7th annual Brighton Beach Pride: “United against fascism*”](https://www.qaravan.org/statements/united-against-fascism/): March 20, 2023 Brooklyn, NY - QARAVAN is proud to host the 7th annual Brighton Beach Pride, the largest celebration of LGBTQ+ culture in Southern Brooklyn. - [We are now QARAVAN](https://www.qaravan.org/statements/we-are-qaravan/): The name QARAVAN speaks to the movement, resilience, and shared experiences of our community members. Our new name reflects our commitment to inclusivity. ## Stories - [Not quite so alone](https://www.qaravan.org/stories/not-quite-so-alone/): Timur, 22, left Russia after police told his graduating class they would be sent to occupied eastern Ukraine or into the police. ## Annual reports - [Annual reports](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/): QARAVAN (legally RUSA LGBTQ Corp.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN 88-3859648. - [Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/): In 2023, its first full year as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN) held 47 events, hired its first paid staff, and launched Rainbow Connections. - [Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/): In 2024, QARAVAN organized over 100 community events, assisted over 1,000 LGBTQ+ immigrants with services, and held its eighth Brighton Beach Pride parade. - [Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/): QARAVAN in 2025: 93 events, 485 people in core programs, 68 letters of support for asylum cases, and our ninth Brighton Beach Pride. - [Community events and Rainbow Connections: Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/events/): In 2023, RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN) organized 47 events, mostly in person, and launched Rainbow Connections, which pairs volunteers with newcomers. - [Finances and supporters: Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/finances/): 2023 finances of RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN): $85,000 in cash expenses, 60% on personnel, and first funding of $131,300 from private foundations. - [Foreword: Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/foreword/): A letter from the founder: 2023 was the first full year as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a board, the first paid staff, and the largest Brighton Beach Pride. - [Future work: Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/future-work/): Plans of RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN) after 2023: legislative advocacy, more volunteers for Rainbow Connections, internal policies, and more programs. - [Mission, vision, and strategic goals: Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/mission/): The mission, vision, values, and strategic goals of RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN) in its 2023 Annual Report: building the community and the organization. - [Brighton Beach Pride and advocacy: Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/pride/): The 7th Brighton Beach Pride on May 21, 2023, with a thousand people attending, and how RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN) advocated in the media and with officials. - [Support programs: Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/support/): How RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN) supported newcomers in 2023: over 500 health cases, referrals, guides, over $10,000 in mutual aid, and legal partners. - [Volunteers, board, and team: Annual Report 2023](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2023/team/): The people of RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN) in 2023: over 100 volunteers, over 1,000 volunteer hours, a seven-person board, and two paid part-time coordinators. - [Advocacy and Brighton Beach Pride: Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/advocacy-and-pride/): QARAVAN was featured in at least 20 television programs, newspapers, and online media in 2024, and held its eighth Brighton Beach Pride parade on May 19. - [Community events: Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/events/): In 2024, QARAVAN organized over 100 community events, mostly in person, from orientations to health events and a winter coat distribution. - [Finances and supporters: Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/finances/): In 2024, QARAVAN's total cash expenses were $83,000. Funding came from private foundations ($40,000) and individual donations ($6,000). - [Foreword: Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/foreword/): A letter from Yelena Goltsman, Founder and Board President, on a year of growth and QARAVAN's new name. - [Rainbow Connections: Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/rainbow-connections/): Rainbow Connections, relaunched in November 2023, pairs each newcomer with a volunteer for six-month cycles of English practice and orientation. - [Health, social services, and mutual aid: Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/services-and-mutual-aid/): In 2024, QARAVAN referred over 500 health-related cases, assisted over 1,000 people with services, and distributed over $10,000 in emergency aid. - [Team and board: Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/team/): The QARAVAN board, coordinators, and core volunteers in 2024, with thanks to all 2024 volunteers and interns. - [Who we are: Annual Report 2024](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2024/who-we-are/): QARAVAN, formerly known as RUSA LGBTQ+, is a community-based nonprofit in New York City of LGBTQ+ immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers and their allies. - [Advocacy, press, and country conditions: Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/advocacy/): How QARAVAN spoke up in 2025: input on city policy, press coverage, and the conditions in the regions our members come from. - [Brighton Beach Pride 2025: Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/brighton-beach-pride/): About 500 people marched at our ninth Brighton Beach Pride on May 10, 2025, with speakers, music, an afterparty, and a banner naming our countries of origin. - [Events of 2025: Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/events/): 93 events in 2025, from ice skating in January to a holiday drag party in December, with a coat drive and a Thanksgiving dinner in between. - [Finances, funders, and donors: Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/finances/): QARAVAN’s 2025 income was about $57,000 and expenses about $69,000, with thanks to our funders and donors and ways to give. - [Foreword, 2025 in numbers, and about QARAVAN: Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/foreword/): A letter from our president on 2025, the year in numbers, and an introduction to QARAVAN, a New York nonprofit for immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. - [Mutual aid and support for members in detention: Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/mutual-aid/): In 2025 our community raised funds in four emergency campaigns, and we supported members in detention with legal funding, translations, and letters of… - [Programs and community support: Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/programs/): QARAVAN’s core programs served 485 people in the 2025 program year: peer support groups, Rainbow Connections, gatherings, and online support. - [Partners, team, and volunteers: Annual Report 2025](https://www.qaravan.org/annual-report/2025/team/): The board, program leaders, volunteers, partners, and Brighton Beach Pride team behind QARAVAN’s work in 2025. ## Optional - [Your case papers: keeping them safe and getting copies: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/case-papers/): Notices, cards and court papers prove your status and deadlines. They are easier to lose than to replace. - [Flying inside the US: which ID you need: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/flying/): To board a flight inside the US, adults (18 and over) show a document from the TSA list at airport security. A standard New York license is not on it. - [IDNYC, the city ID card: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/idnyc/): A free City photo ID for New Yorkers aged 10 and up, whatever their immigration status. - [Lost, damaged or wrong immigration documents: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/lost-papers/): USCIS issues the EAD and green card; Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues the I-94 arrival record. - [Changing your name and gender marker: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/name-gender/): You change your name through a court: in New York City you file in Civil Court for $65. You can change the gender marker (M, F or X) on IDNYC and a state… - [SSN and ITIN: numbers for work and taxes: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/ssn-itin/): An SSN is a free Social Security number from the SSA, for work and taxes. An ITIN is a tax number from the IRS for people who can't get an SSN. - [New York State driver's license and ID: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/state-id-license/): The New York State DMV issues driver's licenses, learner permits and non-driver IDs. A license is open to any status; a non-driver ID only to people with… - [Translations, copies and documents from abroad: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/translations/): Documents not in English are filed with an English translation. USCIS and the immigration court accept a translation signed by a translator who certifies… - [School for your children: how to enroll: English and education](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/children-in-school/): Public school in New York City is free, and schools don't ask about immigration status. How to enroll a child age 3 to 21: which grade, which papers, where… - [Getting into college in New York: English and education](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/college-admission/): Anyone, whatever their immigration status, can apply to and attend CUNY, the City's public colleges, and you can skip the Social Security number (SSN)… - [How to pay for college: government aid and free programs: English and education](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/financial-aid/): Several sources pay for college: federal aid, New York State aid, CUNY and SUNY programs, and private foundations. - [Foreign diploma and document translation: English and education](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/foreign-diploma/): If you studied outside the United States, a college will ask you to have your certificate or diploma evaluated and your documents translated. - [Free English classes for adults: English and education](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/free-english-classes/): Where to learn English for free in New York City: programs of the City, the libraries and CUNY colleges (the City University of New York). - [If you didn't finish high school: the HSE diploma: English and education](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/high-school-equivalency/): You need this only if you didn't finish high school, in the U.S. or anywhere else. If you finished school in your home country, you don't need a second… - [Scholarships and grants: what is open to you and when to apply: English and education](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/scholarships/): Scholarships and grants are money for college that you don't pay back. Many programs don't require U.S. - [What college costs at your immigration status: English and education](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/education/tuition-by-status/): A college charges different amounts for the same semester depending on whether it counts you as a resident of New York State or City. - [A doctor's report for an asylum case: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/asylum-medical-evidence/): How to get a medical or psychological evaluation for an asylum case at the Weill Cornell Center for Human Rights, and how to request your medical records. - [Dentists and eye doctors: our members' experience: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/community-dentists-eye/): Dentists, oral surgeons and eye doctors that people in our chats have spoken well of. Prices for dental work and glasses vary a lot: before the visit, ask… - [Doctors and clinics: our members' experience: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/community-doctors/): Doctors and clinics in New York that people in our chats have spoken well of. Before you book, ask whether they take your insurance or Medicaid and whether… - [Living with HIV: treatment and help: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/hiv-care/): How to get HIV treatment for free without insurance or citizenship, what the City’s HASA offers, and what HIV means for immigration papers. - [The green card medical exam (Form I-693): Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/immigration-medical-exam/): How to do the immigration medical exam with a USCIS-designated doctor, what it costs, which vaccines you need, and what to do with the sealed envelope. - [Insurance: Medicaid, the Essential Plan and NY State of Health: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/insurance/): Which public insurance you can get in New York State depending on your status, how to apply for free, and what changes because of the federal law H.R.1 (the… - [Medical bills: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/medical-bills/): What to do with a bill from a hospital or clinic: how to check it, get it reduced or canceled, set up a payment plan, and where to get free help. - [Medicines, dental and eye care: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/medicines-dental-eye/): Where in New York to get medicines, dental care and eye exams for free or at low cost without insurance or money. - [A doctor without insurance: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/no-insurance/): How to get care in New York without insurance: NYC Care, clinics that charge by income, a free clinic for LGBTQ+ people, and Emergency Medicaid for people… - [PrEP and PEP: medicine that protects against HIV: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/prep-pep/): What to do in the first 72 hours after a possible HIV exposure, how to start PrEP, and how to get both without insurance. - [Sexual health: testing for STIs and HIV: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/sexual-health/): Where to get tested for STIs and HIV for free or at low cost, whatever your immigration status, and what to ask for at the clinic. - [Health care for trans people: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/trans-health/): Where in New York to get hormone therapy, checkups and referrals for surgery, what it costs without insurance, what Medicaid covers, and how to appeal an… - [Urgent medical care: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/urgent-care/): What to do when you need medical care right away: when to call 911, what a hospital must do, and where to go if it is not an emergency. - [Eviction, lockouts and problems with your landlord: Housing](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/eviction/): What to do if someone is trying to evict you, the lock was changed, or your home needs repairs. - [Housing for people living with HIV or AIDS: Housing](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/hiv-housing/): How the City's HASA program helps people with HIV or AIDS get emergency housing, supportive housing or rent help. - [Living in a shelter: your rights and how to complain: Housing](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/in-shelter/): What a DHS shelter expects of you, what your rights are, and how to complain or ask for a change. - [Help paying rent, staying housed and leaving shelter: Housing](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/rent-help/): City money and rent subsidies if you are behind on rent, may lose your home or are leaving shelter. - [Rental scams: how to spot them and what to do: Housing](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/rental-scams/): How fake listings and fake landlords take money and documents, what to check before you pay, and where to report if it already happened. - [Renting a room or an apartment: Housing](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/renting-a-room/): How to find a room or an apartment in New York City, what you can be asked for and charged, and what to check before you pay or sign. - [Nowhere to sleep tonight: Housing](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/shelter-tonight/): Where to ask for a shelter bed tonight, and where to go if you stay outside. - [Young people and LGBTQ+ beds: Housing](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/housing/youth-and-lgbtq-beds/): Where to go for a bed if you are under 25, or an LGBTQ+ adult. - [After asylum is granted: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/after-asylum/): What to do after the decision: work, documents, family, travel and a green card after a year. - [Applying for asylum: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/applying-for-asylum/): Who can ask for asylum, how to count the one-year deadline, where and how to file form I-589, and how to find help you can trust. - [Fingerprints, the interview and the asylum decision: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/asylum-interview/): What happens after you file form I-589: fingerprints, the wait, the interview, rescheduling and the decision. - [Legal help: our members' experience: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/community-legal-help/): Organizations that people in our chats have had a good experience with on immigration cases. No private lawyers are listed. - [Immigration court: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/court-hearings/): How to prepare for an immigration court hearing and what happens there. - [2026 fees, waivers and who pays: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/fees-2026/): What an asylum seeker pays, which fees can be waived and what happens if you pay late. - [Free and low-cost legal help: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/legal-help/): In immigration court the government does not give you a lawyer, and people without one are ordered deported more often. - [You missed a hearing or never got the notice: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/missed-hearing/): What to do if you missed an immigration court hearing or never got the notice. - [You moved: tell the immigration agencies and the court your new address: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/moving/): You must give your new address to USCIS and to the court separately, each by its own deadline. The post office does not pass it on. - [Other options: Temporary Protected Status, U and T visas, and Special Immigrant Juvenile status: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/other-paths/): Other legal statuses: who they are for, the main rules and fees. - [If you are not in the US yet: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/outside-the-us/): How to stay safe outside the US, which international organizations help LGBTQ+ people in danger, and how to avoid scams. - [A work permit while your asylum case is pending: Immigration and asylum](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/immigration/work-permit/): When to apply, which form and category to use, what the card costs, how to renew it and what happens to it after the decision. - [If you are seeking asylum as an LGBTQ+ person: LGBTQ+ services](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/asylum-seekers/): How asylum works for LGBTQ+ people, where to go, how to gather evidence, and what to do if you or someone close is detained or you are still abroad. - [Where to find your community: LGBTQ+ centers, groups and food: LGBTQ+ services](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/community-centers/): LGBTQ+ centers in every borough: groups for adults and immigrants, computers, food, sports and centers for older adults. - [If faith matters to you: communities that welcome LGBTQ+ people: LGBTQ+ services](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/faith-communities/): A synagogue, a Catholic community and two churches in Manhattan that welcome LGBTQ+ people, with livestreams and practical help. - [Health: testing, prevention and doctors who will see you: LGBTQ+ services](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/health-and-testing/): What to do after a possible HIV exposure, where to get checked for free or at low cost, and how to get hormone therapy and a regular doctor in New York. - [For trans and nonbinary people: doctors, documents, housing and community: LGBTQ+ services](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/trans-and-nonbinary/): Where in New York to find a doctor who works with trans people, how to change your name and gender marker on documents, how City shelters work, and where to… - [If you were attacked, threatened or discriminated against: LGBTQ+ services](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/violence-and-discrimination/): What to do after an attack or threats over your orientation or gender identity, and how to report discrimination at work, in housing and in public places… - [If you are under 25: housing, food, care and support: LGBTQ+ services](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/lgbtq/youth/): Where young people up to 24 can go when they have nowhere to sleep or need food, a doctor, a lawyer, or people who understand. - [Therapy without insurance or at an affordable price: Mental health and support groups](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/mental-health/affordable-therapy/): How to find a therapist in New York without insurance or on a low income, including one who speaks Russian. - [Help right now when you are in emotional crisis: Mental health and support groups](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/mental-health/crisis/): If you are in emotional distress or afraid for yourself or someone else: 988 to talk, 911 if there is immediate danger. - [Russian-speaking therapists: our members' experience: Mental health and support groups](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/mental-health/russian-speaking-therapists/): Psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists who speak Russian and with whom people from our chats had a good experience. - [Alcohol and drugs: help, safety and support: Mental health and support groups](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/mental-health/substance-use/): Help in New York for people who want to drink or use less or stop, for people who aren't ready yet, and for their families. Plus what to do in an overdose. - [Support groups: Mental health and support groups](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/mental-health/support-groups/): A support group is a regular meeting of people with similar experiences, where you can talk about yourself and listen to others. - [Help for survivors of torture, violence or persecution: Mental health and support groups](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/mental-health/trauma-and-torture/): Where in New York to get care after torture and violence, and which programs examine people for free and write a medical or psychological report for an… - [While you wait: looking after yourself: Mental health and support groups](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/mental-health/while-you-wait/): Waiting for an appointment, a decision on your case or a place in a group can be long and draining. - [Applying for benefits: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/applying-for-benefits/): In New York City, cash assistance, SNAP food benefits and Medicaid go through the City's Human Resources Administration (HRA), usually on the ACCESS HRA… - [Avoiding scams: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/avoiding-scams/): Newcomers in New York are most often cheated like this: an "easy" green card is promised, money is taken for free forms, someone calls "from the government… - [A bank account without a Social Security number: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/bank-accounts/): A bank or credit union account lets you receive wages and tax refunds, pay rent and avoid keeping cash. - [Who can get which benefits: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/benefits-by-status/): Which benefits people with different immigration statuses can get in New York City, as of November 2026. - [Building credit from zero: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/building-credit/): Your credit history is a record of how you repay debts. In the United States, banks, landlords and lenders look at it. - [Debt and free financial counseling: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/debt-help/): If someone calls or writes to you about a debt, do not ignore it, but do not give out a card or account number until you are sure it is a real collector. - [Food right now: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/food-now/): Where to get a free meal or groceries when you need food right away, and how to apply for SNAP, the monthly food benefit on a card. - [Sending money home safely: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/sending-money-home/): A company that sends money abroad generally must show you the cost, the exchange rate and what the recipient gets before you pay. - [Taxes: filing, ITIN and free help: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/taxes/): If you worked in the United States, including off the books, you most likely have to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the federal… - [311, IDNYC and how the City works: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/city-311/): Where to start in New York: the 311 information line, the free IDNYC card, City help for immigrants and the garbage rules. - [Free food, clothing and things for your home: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/free-things/): Where to get free groceries and hot meals in New York, and where to find clothing and things for your home. - [Getting around: subway, buses, ferries and bikes: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/getting-around/): How to pay for the subway and bus, ride for half price on a low income or at 65 and older, which ferries are free, and how to get Citi Bike for $5 a month. - [Libraries: a free card, computers and English: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/libraries/): What a free library card gives you: computers and Wi-Fi, laptops, English classes and free museum passes through Culture Pass. - [Places and people: where to go and whom to meet: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/meeting-people/): Where to sit somewhere warm, get online and meet people: LGBTQ+ centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx, groups and free classes. - [Museums, theater and music: every affordable way in: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/museums/): How to get into New York's museums, zoos, theaters and concerts for free or cheaply: IDNYC memberships, Culture Pass through the libraries, pay-what-you-wish… - [Parks, beaches, pools and free sports: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/parks-sports/): Where to swim, walk and play sports for free in New York, what City recreation centers cost, and how to ice skate in Bryant Park. - [Phone and internet on a budget: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/phone-internet/): Where to get online for free, how New York State law lets you pay $15 or $20 a month for home internet, and how to get a phone discount through Lifeline. - [Winter: warm places, heat at home and coats: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/winter/): Where to go if you are cold right now, what to do if your apartment has no heat, and where to get help paying for heat and warm clothes. - [Digital safety and pressure from abroad: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/digital-safety/): What to do if you are threatened or pursued from abroad, and how to protect your phone, accounts and messages. - [If you are in danger right now: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/emergency/): Who to call after an attack, threats, violence at home or when you are in deep distress, and what to say first. - [Attacks and threats because of hatred: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/hate-incidents/): Where to report attacks, threats, slurs or being refused work, housing or service because of sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, religion or status… - [If ICE comes to you: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/ice-encounters/): What to say and not do if immigration officers come to your home or work or stop you on the street. - [If you or someone close to you is detained: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/if-detained/): How to find a detained person, where to get a lawyer, who helps with bond, and what to prepare in advance. - [Police stops and arrests: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/police-and-arrest/): Your rights when New York City police stop or arrest you, how an arrest affects an immigration case, where to get a free lawyer and how to complain about an… - [What City and State laws protect and where the protection ends: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/sanctuary-laws/): What New York City and State laws forbid City and local agencies to do, and what they can't stop federal immigration agents from doing. - [Scams and fake immigration helpers: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/scams-and-fake-helpers/): Who has the right to help with immigration matters, how to spot a scam and where to complain. - [Violence in a couple or family: Safety and your rights](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/violence-and-abuse/): Where to turn if a partner or relative hits, stalks, controls or threatens you, including in LGBTQ+ relationships. - [Discrimination and harassment at work, including for LGBTQ+ and trans workers: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/discrimination/): If you are treated worse at work because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, status or another trait, or you are harassed, you can complain… - [How to find a job: free centers, training and your résumé: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/finding-a-job/): Once you may work, you can look for a job in New York at no cost: City career centers help with résumés and interviews, libraries offer coaching, and some… - [Your degree and profession from another country: credential evaluation and licenses: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/foreign-credentials/): If you studied or worked in a profession in another country, in New York you will need an evaluation of your education papers, and for many professions a… - [Getting hired: Form I-9, E-Verify and what an employer may ask: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/hiring-paperwork/): When you are hired, you fill out Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification), which the employer uses to confirm your right to work. - [Job scams and fake helpers: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/job-scams/): Scammers look for people who need a job or documents and promise a quick placement or work permit. What they want is your money and personal information. - [If you are not paid, are hurt at work or lose your job: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/problems-at-work/): If you were not paid, were punished for complaining, got hurt or lost your job, you have rights whatever your immigration status, and free agencies to turn… - [Working for yourself: freelancing, taxes, ITIN and street vending: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/self-employment/): Working for yourself in New York means making your own contracts, getting paid, paying your own taxes and, to sell on the street or sell food, getting City… - [Pay, overtime and sick time: what you are owed: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/wages-and-hours/): In New York State the minimum wage, overtime pay and the right to sick time are the same for everyone who works here, whatever their immigration status. - [Your work permit (EAD) and Social Security number: Work](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/work/work-permit/): In the United States, the right to work comes from a document. For most people waiting for an asylum decision, it is the Employment Authorization Document… - [Help Desk and Volunteer Orientation, Nov 6, 2026](https://www.qaravan.org/events/2026-11-06-help-desk/): On Friday, November 6, QARAVAN volunteers meet one-on-one with anyone who needs help or information, or just wants to talk through a question. - [Girls' Gathering with Alyona](https://www.qaravan.org/events/2026-11-07-girls-gathering/): A girls' gathering with Alyona at a cafe on Manhattan's West Side: getting to know each other over coffee and talking about what matters. - [Help Desk and Volunteer Orientation, Nov 9, 2026](https://www.qaravan.org/events/2026-11-09-help-desk/): On Monday, November 9, QARAVAN volunteers meet one-on-one with anyone who needs help or information, or just wants to talk through a question. - [QARAVAN Movie Club](https://www.qaravan.org/events/2026-11-22-movie-club/): The movie club watches a film together and talks about it afterward. Club members choose the film by vote. - [QARAVAN Friendsgiving](https://www.qaravan.org/events/2026-11-23-friendsgiving/): A shared dinner for anyone who wants to celebrate Thanksgiving among friends. We'll write to everyone who signs up as soon as the date, time and place are… - [Help Desk and Volunteer Orientation, Nov 23, 2026](https://www.qaravan.org/events/2026-11-23-help-desk/): On Monday, November 23, QARAVAN volunteers meet one-on-one with anyone who needs help or information, or just wants to talk through a question. - [QARAVAN New Year's Party](https://www.qaravan.org/events/2026-12-19-new-year-party/): QARAVAN's New Year's party at the Stonewall Inn, with a performance by Svetlana Stoli. More details soon: for now, save the date. - [A Normal Boy: How I Was Gay in Russia, book talk](https://www.qaravan.org/events/a-normal-boy-book-talk/): Journalist Miloslav Chemodanov presented his memoir about growing up gay in Russia at Kvartira Books in Crown Heights, read from the book and answered… - [Bear Mountain hike and swim](https://www.qaravan.org/events/bear-mountain-hike/): 10 km and 400 m of climbing from Hessian Lake to Perkins Memorial Tower, with lunch at the top. - [Qaravan Climbs Bull Hill](https://www.qaravan.org/events/bull-hill-hike/): An 8.5 km loop above the Hudson from Cold Spring, with the hardest climb first and ice cream at the end. - [Case support: practical help](https://www.qaravan.org/events/case-support/): Online meetings where we help with practical things: forms, appointments, benefits, housing and work, and where to turn next. - [Summer Hike: Greenwood Lake](https://www.qaravan.org/events/greenwood-lake-hike/): 13 km along the New York and New Jersey line: up Bearfort Ridge, a picnic at Surprise Lake, the Appalachian Trail to Prospect Rock and ice cream at Bellvale… - [Queer Halloween hike to the Deserted Village](https://www.qaravan.org/events/halloween-hike-deserted-village/): 19 people hiked in costume through the Watchung Reservation in New Jersey to Feltville, a deserted 19th-century village, and ended the day with a shared… - [Halloween pumpkin carving](https://www.qaravan.org/events/halloween-pumpkin-carving/): We carved Halloween pumpkins together in Williamsburg, with mulled wine. - [LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour](https://www.qaravan.org/events/lgbtq-history-walking-tour/): A walk through the queer history of Greenwich Village: Stonewall, Julius’ and more. - [Midtown: Walking Tour](https://www.qaravan.org/events/midtown-walking-tour/): A walk through Midtown: mansions, Art Deco and stories you won’t find in guidebooks. - [I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming at the New York Film Festival](https://www.qaravan.org/events/new-york-film-festival-i-rarely-wake-up-dreaming/): We saw I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming, a queer drama about the war in Ukraine, at the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center, and stayed for the Q&A with the… - [Pasta-Making Master Class](https://www.qaravan.org/events/pasta-making-master-class/): A pasta-making class from scratch in Bushwick, then dinner together on the roof. - [Peer Support Group](https://www.qaravan.org/events/support-group/): An online support group once a week at 7:30 pm. To join, fill out the short form; the meeting link comes after you register. - [Movie night: “United in Anger: A History of ACT UP”](https://www.qaravan.org/events/united-in-anger-act-up-screening/): A screening of “United in Anger: A History of ACT UP,” a documentary about ACT UP, the movement that fought for the lives of people with AIDS. - [QARAVAN Movie Club: sign-up form](https://www.qaravan.org/forms/club/): Once a month we watch films about how people in the US fought for the rights of Black Americans, women and LGBTQ+ people, and how they lived through the AIDS… - [Peer Support Group: sign-up form](https://www.qaravan.org/forms/gina/): Once a week we meet on Zoom to talk about life here as it actually is: waiting on paperwork, looking for work and housing, family far away, feeling alone in… - [Do you need an immigration lawyer? Sign-up form](https://www.qaravan.org/forms/legal-needs/): Together with a coalition of New York LGBTQ+ organizations, QARAVAN is pressing the City to fund free immigration lawyers for LGBTQ+ immigrants, and your… - [A letter from QARAVAN for your immigration case: sign-up form](https://www.qaravan.org/forms/letter/): Our letters have two parts: what LGBTQ+ people face in your country if you are forced to go back, and how you are connected to our community. - [Rainbow Connections: sign up for a volunteer: sign-up form](https://www.qaravan.org/forms/rainbow-seeker/): Rainbow Connections pairs LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees who are new to the US with local volunteers to practice English. - [Rainbow Connections: volunteer sign-up: sign-up form](https://www.qaravan.org/forms/rainbow-volunteer/): Tell us about your interests and experience so we can match you with a newcomer who needs support and companionship. - [Case support: practical help: sign-up form](https://www.qaravan.org/forms/simon/): We meet online and help you sort out practical things step by step: forms, appointments, benefits, housing and work, and where to turn next. - [Volunteer with QARAVAN: sign-up form](https://www.qaravan.org/forms/volunteer/): Tell us about yourself, your skills and when you’re free.