Who is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who has to leave his or her home because of conflict or other dangers. This page has information to help you find safety and register as a refugee.
Who is a refugee?
You are a refugee when you are not safe from violence in your home country and have to leave due to fear of danger. This can be because of your race, religion, nationality, or belonging to a social group or political opinion. Refugees leave their home country because they are afraid and there is no protection for them. Refugees may be escaping armed conflict, natural disasters, or an unsafe government. People who are trapped inside of their country and have no way to cross a border to register as a refugee are called Internally Displaced People (IDP).
What kind of help can I get?
There are more refugees in the world today than ever before in history. It is important to understand your rights as a refugee and to try find good organizations that can help you. Many countries do not have the resources to protect refugees. Some people are corrupt and take advantage of refugees.
What are my rights?
If you are living in a country where there is war, violence, or persecution, and the government cannot or will not protect you, you have the right to travel to a new country and seek protection as a refugee.
How do I become a refugee?
Most of the time, in order to become a refugee, you must travel across an international border and register as a refugee with the United Nations. Depending on what country you are in right now or where you are going, another organization may help you register with the United Nations.
What happens after I become a refugee?
It depends whether you live in a refugee camp or if you live in a city as an urban refugee. When you live in a camp, international organizations can help you by providing basic shelter, food, and protection.
When you live in a city, you are called an urban refugee. If you are an urban refugee, you may be able to find work or integrate into the new country. But, it may be very difficult for you because you may not have any help or support.
Do you need help? Please choose your location below.
If you need help, please click on an area below to find organizations and resources in that region:
- I am trying to go to Europe.
- I am on the United States-Mexico border.
- I am already inside of the USA and I want to apply for asylum.
How can I be resettled to the USA?
Many refugees and immigrants around the world want to come to the USA. However, it is very rare to be resettled there. Less than 1% of refugees are ever resettled to the USAs.
It can take a very long time to be resettled because you must pass a very strict background/security check and complete a health exam. Only those refugees who are the most vulnerable and cannot return to their home countries are resettled.
Learn more
Other resources
- Find and contact family members through the American Red Cross
- Know your rights information from IRAP for first-time arrivals in the USA
- Know your rights information from IRAP for SIV holders arriving in the USA
The information on this page comes from UNHCR and other trusted sources. It is intended for guidance and is updated as often as possible. USAHello does not give legal advice, nor are any of our materials intended to be taken as legal advice. If you are looking for a free or low-cost lawyer or legal help, we can help you find free and low-cost legal services.
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