The Refugee Act of 1980 (USA)

The Refugee Act of 1980 is a law that modernized U.S. policies on refugees. It established a clear process for admitting individuals fleeing persecution, aligning U.S. standards with international norms. The Act created the Office of Refugee Resettlement to oversee refugee programs and set criteria for screening and determining refugee status. It also provided for humanitarian assistance, integration support, and pathways to permanent residence. Overall, the law aimed to ensure a fair, humane, and organized response to those seeking safety from persecution or danger abroad.