Refugee Act of 1980

The Refugee Act of 1980 is a U.S. law that established a formal process for admitting refugees into the country. It was designed to protect individuals fleeing persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The law created a framework for defining who qualifies as a refugee and set up procedures for applying for refugee status. It aimed to align U.S. policies with international humanitarian principles, allowing for increased support and resettlement of individuals in need of protection from dangerous situations in their home countries.