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Asylum : a memoir & manifesto

Okporo, Edafe (author.).

Summary: "A poignant, moving memoir and urgent call to action for immigration justice by a Nigerian asylee and global gay rights and immigration activist Edafe Okporo. On the eve of Edafe Okporo's twenty-sixth birthday, he was awoken to a violent mob outside his window in Abuja, Nigeria. The mob threatened his life after discovering the secret Edafe had been hiding for years -- that he is a gay man. Left with no other choice, he purchased a one-way plane ticket to New York City and fled for his life. Though America had always been painted to him as a land of freedom and opportunity, it was anything but when he arrived just days before the tumultuous 2016 Presidential Election. Edafe would go on to spend the next six months at an immigration detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After navigating the confusing, often draconian, US immigration and legal system, he was finally granted asylum. But he would soon realize that America is exceptionally good at keeping people locked up but is seriously lacking in integrating freed refugees into society. Asylum is Edafe's eye-opening, thought-provoking memoir and manifesto, which documents his experiences growing up gay in Nigeria, fleeing to America, navigating the immigration system, and making a life for himself as a Black, gay immigrant. Alongside his personal story is a blaring call to action -- not only for immigration reform but for a just immigration system for refugees everywhere. This book imagines a future where immigrants and asylees are treated with fairness, transparency, and compassion. It aims to help us understand that home is not just where you feel safe and welcome but also how you can make it feel safe and welcome for others." --

Record details

  • ISBN: 1982183748
  • ISBN: 9781982183745
  • Physical Description: vii, 211 pages ; 23 cm
    print
  • Edition: First Simon & Schuster hardcover edition.
  • Publisher: New York, NY : Simon & Schuster, [2022]

Content descriptions

Formatted Contents Note: Growing up (and coming out) in Nigeria -- Becoming a refugee and claiming asylum -- Being a new immigrant in America -- Being a black gay man in America -- Faith in America and West Africa -- Courage to lead around the world -- Risking it all for freedom.
Subject: Okporo, Edafe
Asylum, Right of United States
Asylum, Right of Government policy United States
Emigration and immigration law United States
Political refugees Nigeria Biography
Immigrants United States Biography
Nigerians United States Biography
Gay men Nigeria Biography
Genre: Autobiographies.
Autobiographies.
Biography.
Autobiography.

Available copies

  • 8 of 8 copies available at SPARK Libraries.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 8 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Albright Memorial Library 92 OKPORO (Text) 50686016181823 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Albright Memorial Library 92 OKPORO (Text) 50686016181831 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Altoona Area Public Library 920 OKP (Text) 33240004964923 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity 920 OKP 2022 (Text)
Bookplate: Donated anonymously
31001101856202 Adult Non Fiction Available -
New Castle Public Library 305.906 (Text) 31902005486105 NWCM Non-Fiction Available -
Southern Lehigh Public Library 305.906912 OKP (Text)
Bookplate: This item was purchased in honor of an anonymous donor for a donation to the Southern Lehigh Public Library Helping Hands Campaign 2022-2023.
30044100885815 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Allentown Public Library 920 OKPA (Text) 34455006947960 Adult Nonfiction 1st FL Available -
Easton Main Library 920 O41a (Text) 31901004610848 Adult Nonfiction Available -


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