Refugee
Refugee is a legal status for a person who is outside their home country and cannot return due to a well-founded fear of persecution.
How Is Refugee Status Different from Asylum?
- Location: Refugees apply from outside the United States, usually through the United Nations or a U.S. embassy. Asylum is for people who are already inside the U.S. or at a port of entry.
- Process: Refugees go through screening and interviews abroad before traveling to the U.S.
- Numbers: The U.S. government sets an annual cap on how many refugees it will accept each year.
What Qualifies Someone as a Refugee?
To qualify, a person must show they have been persecuted or fear future persecution because of:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership in a particular social group
They must also prove that their home country’s government is unable or unwilling to protect them.
Rights of Refugees in the U.S.
Once admitted, refugees:
- Can live and work legally in the U.S.
- May apply for a green card after 1 year
- May apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years
- Can apply to bring certain family members
Related Terms
Additional Resources
This page is for informational purposes only and does not offer legal advice.
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