Immigration?

[Dinger2]

Since the new year began we more and more hear the words asylum seekers and refugees ---what is the difference ??

[pastafreak]

You may be better off posting this in Society&Culture...I'm not sure this would be defined as a 'seasonal' question....;-)

[SeaJayPea]

Refugees are people who have been made homeless by something outside their control and are seeking 'refuge' somewhere safe. Current major example is the people who are fleeing the conflict in Syria. But people who moved away from famine areas and flood damage can also be refugees - they're seeking a safe place.

Asylum seekers can be refugees as well, but don't have to be. A genuine asylum seeker is somebody who fears for his or her life in their own country, normally for of political or religious reasons. Again, many people fleeing Syria may have reason to fear the regime and apply for asylum.

A reason for the current confusion may be the economic migrants - people who are merely trying to get a better standard of living - some of whom claim asylum as one way of getting permission to stay in richer countries.