Immigrants and Refugees

Quick Facts

68.5 MILLION FORCIBLY DISPLACED WORLDWIDE as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations 24.5 million refugees 19.9 million refugees under UNHCR mandate 5.4 million Palestine refugees under UNRWA's mandate 40 million internally displaced people 3.1 million asylum seekers

Who is a Migrant?

A migrant is someone who moves from place to place (within their country or across borders) for economic reasons such as seasonal work. Similar to immigrants, they were not forced to leave their countries because of persecution, but rather are seeking better opportunities. Many of those crossing the US border from Central American countries-El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras-are in fact asylum seekers, not migrants. They have a well founded fear of persecution if they were to return home.

Who is a Refugee?

A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her home because of war, violence or persecution, often without warning. They are unable to return home unless and until conditions in their native lands are safe for them again An official entity such as a government or UNRA determines whether a person seeking international protection meets the definition of a refugee, based on well-founded fear

Who is an Asylum seeker?

An asylum seeker is someone seeking international protection from dangers in their home country, but whose claim for refugee status hasn't been determined legally. Asylum seekers must apply for protection in the country of destination-meaning they must arrive at or cross a border in order to apply. Then, they must be able to prove that they meet the criteria to be covered by refugee protections.

Who is an Immigrant?

An immigrant is someone who makes a conscious decision to leave their home and move to a foreign country with the intention of settling there. Immigrants often go through a lengthy vetting process to immigrate and many become lawful permanent citizens Immigrant research their destinations, explore employment opportunities, and study the language of the country where they plan to live. Most important, they are free to return home whenever they choose.