Difference between immigrants and refugees

by Emir Plicanic | Views: 2444

As we hear more and more discussion in the media about the U.S. immigration policy we often hear the term illegal immigrants. But who are illegal immigrants? Lincoln has become very diverse in population from other countries and how can we tell if the person living next door came to the U.S. legally or illegally? And the answer is we can't. Not without a background check that United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is able to do. But we also can't assume that all of our neighbors are here illegally.

A large number of the foreign-born Lincoln population came to the U.S. as refugees. There are also student and professional workers who came here to study and work. Some of these students and workers are able to adjust their status and stay here and some of them go back to their home countries once their visas expire. Some may also be eligible to apply for asylum and adjust their status that way.

Shortly, asylum is the status sought by a person physically present in the U.S . The individual must have a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, if made to return to his or her country of nationality.

So what is the difference between immigrants and refugees?

Immigrant
A foreign-born individual who voluntarily leaves his/her country of origin and has been admitted to reside permanently in the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). To get LPR status or Green Card (as it is often called), immigrants have to go through an application process. Some immigrants apply for  "Diversity Visa Lottery" (Green Card Lottery) which is put up by USCIS. You can read more about the "Diversity Visa Lottery" here. Others get it from their US based employer, by marrying  US citizen or  apply for asylum if eligible.

Refugee (According to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees)
Person who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country." 

Most of the time immigrants go through the status adjustment (getting LPR) after they come to the U.S. Refugees on the other hand have to go through background checks, health screenings and eligibility guidelines overseas. This process can take more then couple of years for both immigrants and refugees. This waiting period of couple of years makes a big difference. Refugees are eligible to apply for citizenship five years after arrival to the U.S. However, immigrants have to wait five years after receiving their LPR status.

In general refugees obtain their U.S. citizenship sooner then immigrants.

These are just some of the basic differences. I encourage you to visit the websites below to find out more information about immigrants, refugees and status adjustment.

• USCIS  - Lot's of resources, forms, guidelines and instructions
• The Cultural Orientation Project - Information about refugees, where they come from and their cultures. Great resource for people helping or working with refugees.
• Visa Law  - ABC's of immigration law.

Thank you for learning more about immigrants and refugees. FIRST Project helps immigrants and refugees who have survived torture to heal. Your gift of $15 or more makes a difference.

  or visit our donation page for more donation options.

• Australia Work Visas

FIRST Project
1000 "O" Street Suite 102
Lincoln, NE 68508