What is the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee?
The terms “asylum seeker” and “refugee” are often used interchangeably, however, there is an important distinction between the two. An asylum seeker is an individual who has fled their home country and is seeking international protection but are still “in transit” and their status is still pending. In the US, an asylum seeker must demonstrate a “well-founded fear of persecution” on the basis of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group in order to be granted asylum status. On the other hand, a refugee is an individual who has already been granted refugee status by the US government or the United Nations and is allowed to live and work in the country they are seeking protection in. In South Carolina, asylum seekers have the right to apply for an asylum to remain in the United States. The process is long and arduous and involves an extensive application which includes interviews and proof of identity and the need for protection. If granted, an asylum seeker is then referred to as a refugee and granted more rights including the ability to work, travel and access to certain social services. Overall, an asylum seeker is an individual who is in the process of applying for refugee status, while a refugee is an individual who has already been recognized by the US government or the United Nations as needing protection and has been granted refugee status.
THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.La diferencia entre un solicitante de asilo y un refugiado es muy clara. Un solicitante de asilo es alguien que busca protección en otro país debido a la persecución o amenaza de persecución en su país de origen. Esta persona no ha salido de su país, pero se encuentra buscando protección. Un refugiado, por otro lado, es alguien que ya haya salido de su país debido a la persecución o a un conflicto armado. Esta persona busca protección en el nuevo país. En Carolina del Sur, hay ciertas leyes de inmigración que rigen los derechos de los solicitantes de asilo y refugiados. Estas leyes están diseñadas para garantizar los derechos humanos de los solicitantes de asilo y refugiados al otorgarles asilo en los Estados Unidos. Estas leyes también abordan los procedimientos de verificación de identidad y la capacidad de buscar trabajo legalmente. Los solicitantes de asilo y los refugiados también pueden solicitar ayuda financiera para cubrir gastos médicos, alojamiento, educación y otros servicios. En Carolina del Sur, estos derechos se rigen por la Ley de Inmigración de los Estados Unidos.
Related FAQs
What is the definition of “refugee”?What is the process for filing an asylum application?
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