What is the difference between economic migrant and refugee

Immigrants often go through a lengthy vetting process to immigrate to a new country. Many become lawful permanent residents and eventually citizens. Immigrants research their destinations, explore employment opportunities, and study the language of the country where they plan to live. Most importantly, they are free to return home whenever they choose. An economic migrant is different from a refugee or asylum seeker — this is someone who leaves his or her country of origin purely for financial or economic reasons.

Economic migrants choose to move in order to find a better life and they do not flee because of persecution.

Some economic migrants may ultimately settle in their destination country, and could then be considered an immigrant. However, many economic migrants do not lay down roots in their new country — for example, seasonal agricultural laborers may work for a few months in the U. Refugees resettled in the U. As soon as they arrive, refugees may legally work immediately.

They also have the right to file applications to have family members still abroad to join them. After one year in the U. If refugees wish to travel outside the United States, they need to obtain a Refugee Travel Document in order to return to the United States.

If they do not obtain a Refugee Travel Document in advance of departure, they may be unable to re-enter the United States. According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, if they return to the country from which they fled, refugees will have to explain how they were able to return safely.

Asylum seekers and asylees do not have the same rights as refugees once in the U. More about Our projects. Find out about our work to build and renovate homes in for refugees in Lebanon. What is a refugee Definition: Refugees are people fleeing armed conflicts or persecution. Becoming a refugee A vital part of being recognised as a refugee is Refugee Status Determination RSD , a legal process that governments or UNHCR use to determine whether a person seeking international protection is considered a refugee under international, national or regional law.

What is a migrant Definition: Migrants choose to move not because of a direct threat or persecution but mainly to improve their lives: Finding work Seeking better education Reuniting with family Unlike refugees who cannot safely return home, migrants can return home if they wish.

Follow the impact of our work Sign up to our e-newsletter to receive inspirational stories of strength and resilience, straight in your inbox Subscribe. Can we change its meaning? Sign up Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know when we publish new stories and appeals.

Make a donation Give today to help us build safe and decent homes to the most vulnerable families worldwide. Volunteer abroad Join one of our volunteer trips abroad to help with renovations and rebuilding projects.

How your support today can build a better tomorrow. Before they decide to leave their country, migrants can seek information about their new home, study the language and explore employment opportunities.

They can plan their travel, take their belongings with them and say goodbye to the important people in their lives. Refugees are forced to leave their country because they are at risk of, or have experienced persecution. Have an account? Sign In. To protect you, we've sent you a confirmation email to make sure it's really you. Follow the instructions in it to access your account.

The words we choose are important. Iraqi children. Refugee A refugee is any person who has been forced to flee their country due to war, persecution, or because their home government cannot or will not protect them. Migrant Migrants are people who are leaving their home country and pursuing residency in another place, generally to find work, seek education, or to be reunited with their families. Immigrant An immigrant is an individual who willingly leaves their country of origin and legally enters another country where they are granted permission to permanently resettle, thus qualifying them to work without restriction.

Refugee Refugees are those who have been forced to leave their home country. Migrant vs. Immigrant A migrant is an individual who is purposefully on the move in search of a better life, but arguably could return home if they chose. Refugee vs. Asylum Seeker A refugee is someone who was forced to flee because their home country is unsafe and their government cannot or will not protect them.

Immigrant Refugees have been forced to leave their home, while an immigrant chooses to leave. Want to learn how you can show up for refugees, migrants, and neighbors?