Asylum vs. Refugee Status: What’s the Difference and How Do I Apply?
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. | Sep 24, 2024 | Asylum
Every day, hundreds of people make the incredibly hard decision to leave their countries of birth in search of better lives and safety, which the United States offers. However, these people bear different titles when they arrive in the country. Some will be called asylum seekers, and others will be refugees. The challenge is understanding the differences between these categories in order to help you decide on the best path that suits your situation.
Who Is an Asylum Seeker?
An asylum seeker is an individual who moves to another country to seek protection from dangers facing them in their home country. When a person makes an application to seek protection in another country, they are given asylum status. The US is under the obligation to protect anyone who qualifies for asylum, following the 1967 United Nations Protocol and through US immigration laws.
Who Is a Refugee?
A refugee refers to someone fleeing from their country of origin and is also unwilling to go back due to a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, nationality, religion, or because of being members of a political or social group. The individual must apply for refugee status either with the government or the United Nations Refugee Agency, which then determines if they have well-founded fear and meet the definition of a refugee.
What Makes Asylum and Refugee Statuses Different?
- Location of Application: You can apply for asylum status within the United States or at its borders. If you are seeking refugee status, you must apply from outside the United States.
- The Application Process: You need to apply for asylum with the USCIS or attend a court hearing. Refugee applicants are usually screened outside the United States before they are allowed to enter the country officially.
- Quota Limits: The United States has a specific number of refugees allowed into the country, which is capped by yearly quotas. There are no limits on how many people are granted asylum yearly in the United States.
Contact Us for Guidance on Your Application
Seeking asylum or refugee status requires a complex and often overwhelming process. Our years of experience in AZ at Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC, have seen us help hundreds of clients understand their options and take the right steps for their future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get personalized guidance on your case.
