refugees and asylum seekers

Refugees are people who leave their home country because of serious danger such as war, persecution, or violence, and are unable or unwilling to return safely. Asylum seekers are individuals who have fled their country and are seeking protection in another country; they must apply for asylum and have their claim evaluated. Both groups are seeking safety and protection due to threats to their life or freedom. The key difference is that refugees are recognized as such under international law, while asylum seekers are in the process of seeking that recognition.