Refugee Act of 1980 (USA)

The Refugee Act of 1980 is a U.S. law that established a formal process for admitting refugees fleeing persecution. It aligned U.S. policies with the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, creating a systematic way to identify and assist individuals who face danger in their home countries. The Act set rules for screening, processing, and resettling refugees, ensuring their rights and receiving federal support. It also created the Office of Refugee Resettlement to coordinate efforts. Overall, it formalized America's commitment to protecting those seeking safety from persecution or violence.