What Does Refugee Status Mean?
A “refugee” is generally someone outside their country of nationality who is unable or unwilling to return due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on protected grounds, as defined in INA § 101(a)(42).
Refugees typically:
- Are referred by international organizations or U.S. refugee programs
- Undergo screening, interviews, and security checks abroad
- Enter the U.S. with refugee status and may later adjust to permanent residence under INA § 209






