Refugee is more than a word.

It is a legal status with a specific meaning. Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution. Before arriving in the United States through the refugee resettlement program, they apply from outside the country and undergo an extensive screening and vetting process. When refugees arrive, they already have legal status and authorization to work, and they have a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. Understanding these distinctions matters. Immigration terms are often used interchangeably in public conversations, but refugee, asylum seeker, immigrant, and parolee do not mean the same thing. Each represents a different legal process and, more importantly, a different human journey. At New American Pathways, we believe informed communities are stronger communities. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be breaking down some of the terms you may hear in conversations about immigration and explaining what they actually mean. #Educate #NewAmericanPathways #RedWhiteandDo