What is the difference between immigrant and refugee

They cannot return unless the situation that forced them to leave improves. Subscribe to SSI News. Please Donate. CultureReady Diversity Training.

Volunteer Opportunities. In the event that they cannot, resettlement options are provided in a third country. A total of 17 Countries like Australia, Canada, Denmark, Chile and others have refugee quotas and provide resettlement options in their countries to individuals from refugee camps. Immigrants however move out of their own volition, and have to explore their own settlement options in the new country.

Share this comparison:. If you read this far, you should follow us:. Diffen LLC, n. Immigrant vs. Comparison chart Immigrant versus Refugee comparison chart Immigrant Refugee Definition An immigrant is someone from a foreign country who relocates to live in another country.

They may or may not be citizens. Refugees move out of fear or necessity. They may only come if they have work or a place to live. Defined by United Nations Reason of relocation Immigrants are usually driven by economic factors, or they want to be close to family. Refugees are forced to relocate for reasons such as natural disasters, fear of persecution or suffered persecution due to at least one of the following: race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

Resettlement Immigrants can usually find a home in their new country. From refugee camp to a third country. Usually cannot return to ones own country. Basically, they are different from country to country and are categorized under domestic law. For example, the application process for migrating into the United States is a different application process than applying to Japan. However, a refugee is protected by international law, therefore, while legal documentation can be lacking, countries have an obligation to abide by these laws.

There are still similarities between the two, which is why people might confuse them. In both cases, each party will have to either assimilate or find some way to adapt to life in a new country. They will face a shock in culture, the workforce and language.

Entering a new country, whether by choice or due to persecution, will always be a frightening process.