We’ve been resettling refugees in the metro area since 1975, and have a number of former refugees on our staff. Do you know the differences among the many identifiers of people relocating here?
REFUGEES: People who have been forced to flee their own country because of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. Cannot return home or are afraid to do so.
IMMIGRANTS: People who choose to migrate to another country, usually permanently, and for a variety of reasons, including economic hardships and educational opportunities.
SIV: Special Immigrant Visas are provided to people who helped the US Military or US Contractors overseas, typically translators.
ASYLEE: Someone who comes to the US under a different immigration status but now cannot return home.
EVACUEE: Has temporary permission to reside in the United States but has not been formally admitted. Those coming here from Afghanistan are evacuees, also called parolees.