Svetlana R.: Russian asylum seeker detained eight months, denied medical care in Houston facility
Svetlana Romanova, 59, who fled Russia after protesting the Ukraine war, has been detained about eight months in Houston, reporting poor medical care and weight loss. She is appealing a denied asylum claim.
Jun 29, 2025Houston, TXCountry of origin: Russia

Svetlana Romanova, a 59-year-old Russian who fled to protest the Ukraine war, has been detained for approximately eight months at CoreCivic Houston Processing Center. She reports inadequate medical care, significant weight loss, and suicidal ideation that was dismissed by staff. An immigration judge ruled against her asylum claim in April; she has appealed, citing risk to her life if returned to Russia.
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Sources
- 'It's a prison:' Asylum seekers in Houston detention centers face longer stays
Houston Chronicle·Jun 29, 2025·archived copy
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Houston Chronicle·Mar 9, 2026·archived copy
- Immigration policies affecting Houstonians in 2024 and what’s to come
Houston Landing·Jan 2, 2025·archived copy
- Refugees in Texas may face arrest under new mandates
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