Every year thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers enter the United States. Since 1975 the U.S. has resettled more that 3 million refugees and asylum seekers.
Every year thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers enter the United States. Since 1975 the U.S. has resettled more that 3 million refugees and asylum seekers. An asylum seeker is someone who has entered the U.S. seeking asylum status, but their claim for status has not yet been determined; whereas a refugee is someone whose claim for protection has already been officially recognized before they entered the U.S. These individuals have fled their home due to war, violence or fear of persecution based on their religion, race, nationality, political opinion, or because a particular social group they may be a part of. Many of the most vulnerable populations fleeing their homes are women and children.
Seeking either refugee or asylum status can be a lengthy, complex process with individuals having to go through a number of background, health and security checks. This process is managed by a number of government agencies-- primarily through the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. However, those who have been granted asylum and refugee status have protections and rights under both international and U.S. law (including protections in the International 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocols and the U.S. Immigration and Nationalities Act and its amendments). For example, they are protected from being returned to the home country from where they fled. They also have the right to work, the right to certain assistance programs and the right to eventually apply for permanent residency.
The United Nations annually recognizes June 20 as World Refugee Day. This day is designated to honor the resilience courage of refugees and to recognize the struggle of so many fleeing wars, violence and persecution seeking safety.
The Seventh-day Adventist church also recognizes refugees each year with a special refugee sabbath. This year our church designated June 21 as Adventist Church World Refugee Sabbath. During this time the church remembers the more than 120 million forcibly displaced individuals, including over 43 million refugees, and over 6 million asylees around the world. The North America Division of Seventh-day Adventist Refugee and Immigrant Ministries calls churches and members to remember the millions of forcibly displaced people worldwide and consider ways that we can support this often overlooked but vulnerable group in line with our Biblical mandate to welcome the stranger and care for the foreigner residing among us.
For more information visit:
Adventist Refugee and Immigrant Ministries at https://www.refugeeministries.org
Jennifer Gray Woods is the Lake Union legal counsel, as well as its Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director.
