What is the definition of “refugee”?

A refugee is a person who has been forced to flee their country due to a fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group status. In California, under the United States’ Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a refugee is defined as anyone who is outside of their country of nationality, has a well-founded fear of persecution, and cannot return due to the circumstances in their country of origin. In California, the refugee status can be applied for through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) asylum program, which is part of the nation’s immigration laws. The asylum program allows those who have a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group status in their country of origin to apply for protection. To be eligible for the asylum program, applicants must demonstrate that they have a credible fear of persecution if returned to their home country. Those who are granted refugee status are given a number of benefits, such as access to legal and social services, employment authorization, and the ability to apply for lawful permanent residence. Refugees also have the right to remain in the United States in accordance with the INA. Through the asylum program, refugees are given the opportunity to find safety and security in the United States. This program provides refugees with the chance to restart their lives in a safe and secure environment.

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La palabra "refugiado" se refiere a una persona que ha huido de su país de origen debido a un temor fundado de persecución debido a su raza, religión, nacionalidad, opinión política o pertenencia a un determinado grupo social. Esto incluye a aquellos que se encuentran inmigrantes y que pueden ser considerados refugiados al solicitar asilo. La Ley de Inmigración de Estados Unidos y la ley estatal de California reconocen esta definición de refugiados y dan derecho a otorgar asilo a aquellos que demuestran un temor fundado de persecución. Por lo tanto, una persona que reclama el derecho a ser tratada como refugiado en California tendrá que demostrar que tiene motivos para temer por su seguridad si regresa a su país de origen. Esto incluye la presentación de pruebas y testimonio que documenten la situación de la persona en el extranjero. En última instancia, la decisión de otorgar asilo se basa en si el solicitante satisface los requisitos de un refugiado tal como se define en la ley.

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