People come to the United States for a multitude of reasons. Some come here temporarily, such as on a student or tourist visa, while others look to make this country their permanent home.
There are other groups who wish they could be in their home country, but it has become too dangerous to do so. Many of them come to the U.S. as refugees or asylum seekers. And while those two terms are often used interchangeably, they have key differences in the legal system.
Seeking safety and protection
Refugees are granted protection by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or by the country where they seek sanctuary. A person is considered a refugee if they have been forced to leave their country of origin and can’t return due to the possibility they may be persecuted based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or belonging to a particular social group.
A refugee’s status has already been determined before they even arrive in the United States, and they have specific rights, such as the freedom from being forced to return to their country. Since they have already been granted protection, they can begin to rebuild their lives.
An asylum seeker is someone who has fled their home country for safety and is seeking international protection, but their claim hasn’t been legally recognized. They may spend months or years waiting in another country while waiting for an official decision on their status. During this period, they live with uncertainty and have limited rights, such as not being able to seek employment.
The most crucial thing to remember is that both refugees and asylum seekers deserve our compassion and empathy. Both groups may need guidance to assist them with the legal process of obtaining the documentation they need to begin their lives in the United States.