Local DJ KJ Faces Deportation

KJ, Playing at the SFLNC-produced Tantra Trance Stage at Pride 2002.

Due to the new terrorism policies, the United States Government has initiated deportation proceedings against longtime local DJ Keshav Jiwnani, aka "KJ". Although KJ has resided in the United States for 17 years, he is being forced to go through these proceedings since he was born in Pakistan.

KJ came to the United States at age 17 to escape religious and anti-gay persecution in Muslim Pakistan, where homosexuality is illegal and severely punished. Since his safety would unquestionably be threatened if deported back to Pakistan, KJ has applied for political asylum in the United States.

KJ's case for political asylum is currently under review by US authorities. If his application for political asylum is denied, he will have to appear before a federal judge with respect to possible deportation.

KJ has contributed a great amount to the local community, so many have expressed support for KJ's application for political asylum. Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-SF) and San Francisco City Supervisors Tom Ammiano, Chris Daly and Bevan Dufty have written letters of support. Hundreds of local citizens have signed a petition in favor of KJ's asylum request.

You Can Help KJ!

KJ is being represented by the Law Office of Robert Jobe, which specializes in political asylum cases. In order to help KJ with his considerable legal bills, the SFLNC has agreed to administer a legal defense fund. You can donate to the KJ Legal Defense fund in two ways. You can also check out Resistance, a benefit for KJ on March 20th.