Refugee

Asylum

The right to be recognized as a refugee and receive legal protection and material assistance.

Asylum Seeker

When people flee their own country and seek sanctuary in another country, they apply for asylum - the right to be recognized as a refugee and receive legal protection and material assistance. An asylum seeker must demonstrate that his or her fear of persecution in his or her home country is well-founded.

Resettlement

The process of helping a refugee find a new, permanent home when they cannot safely reside in a country of first asylum or return home. The United States resettles more refugees than any other country.

Refugee

Someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group; a refugee either cannot return home or is afraid to do so

Internally Displaced Person IDP

Someone who has been forced to flee his or her home for the same reason as a refugee, but remains in his or her own country and has not crossed an international border.

Stateless Person

Someone who is not a citizen of any country.A person can become stateless due to a variety of reasons, including sovereign, legal, technical or administrative decisions or oversights.

UNHCR

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; office established in 1951 to protect the human rights of refugees and provide for their assistance through legal, social, economic aid.