Asylum and Refugee Policy: Safe Haven for Whom?

Question 1

What is the UN definition of a refugee? How have geopolitical interests influenced U.S. asylum and refugee policy?

Answer 1

A person who has left their country and is unable to return due to a well founded fear of persecution

Question 2

When has the U.S. admitted the most refugees and why?

Question 3

Can you explain the differences between “refugees” and “asylees” and distinguish how they are treated in law and policy?

Answer 3

refugees applying outside of US, asylees already in US

Question 4

How does the U.S. refugee process work?

Answer 4

Pre screening ( in detention or with family member), placement, transition and assistance

Question 5

How would you describe the resettlement experience of the Lahpai family?

Answer 5

assistance only lasts so long, language barrier makes it challenging to get a job, covid adds extra layer of difficulty, have to fund your own travel

Question 6

Why does gaining asylum often rely on chance rather than a consistently even-handed process?

Answer 6

• boarder patrol agents use individual discretion