An individual facing risks or threats in their country of origin and looking for protection elsewhere is identified as an asylum seeker. This classification shares similarities with a refugee, but it’s not a guaranteed end result for all asylum seekers. Recognition as a refugee, according to legal procedures, occurs post the individual’s asylum application within a sanctuary providing nation. The duration required for such an application can extend over several years.
As of 2018, a round figure of three and a half million individuals had their verdicts on their asylum applications pending. Independent of restrictions at borders, the rights of asylum seekers to access international protection remain unchallenged. They must not be sent back, directly or indirectly, to their home countries if their safety or lives could be jeopardized.
Between January 2019 and January 2020, the United States administration directed nearly 70,000 asylum seekers and migrants back to Mexico under a policy known as the ‘Remain in Mexico’ scheme or the Migrant Protection Protocols. Out of these, over 13,000 were minors and about 400 were just infants. It often takes a considerable amount of time for families and children to earn a meeting with a US immigration judge.
Disturbing accounts have surfaced suggesting that these individuals are living under deplorable conditions, on the streets and sometimes becoming victims of grievous crimes such as kidnapping, assault, and rape.
A migrant, by habitually accepted definitions, is any individual who willingly leaves their place of dwelling in pursuit of improved prospects, rather than being forcibly displaced by factors such as violence or persecution, which are the criteria for refugee or asylum seeker identification. Migration, though it may promise a brighter future through access to better education, occupation, and lifestyle, is fraught with uncertainty and dangers.
Mobile children, despite having promises of enhanced opportunity, face significant risks during their travels and at their final destination, ranging from discrimination, violence, and exploitation to instances of abuse.
An individual moving to live permanently in a nation different from their home country is recognized as an immigrant. Such individuals, while having the freedom to return, mostly choose to stay put in their new living environment.
People compelled to look for safety elsewhere due to threats of war, persecution, or violence in their countries, are termed refugees. With the global count reaching nearly 25.9 million, more than half of these refugees are children, who face disturbingly high vulnerabilities.
With everyday worries about food, shelter, and survival, child refugees live with persistent fear, uncertainty and instability. Larger issues include losing fundamental child rights, like access to a normal future. Apart from that, they are exposed to violence, exploitation, and maltreatment, showing the necessity for protective measures.
The enormity of the global refugee population is at an all-time high, with a refugee typically spending upwards of 17 years in exile. As of now, a worrying number of around four million school-age refugees are deprived of education. It is also important to point out that a significant proportion- one child in every five categorised as refugees has some form of disability.
The top five nations contributing to the majority of refugees globally include Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Somalia. The countries shouldering the major burden of hosting refugees are Lebanon and Jordan. In an uplifting turn of events, since 2017, Bangladesh’s refugee count has witnessed a surge of three-fold due to the ongoing Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.
Remarkably, the poorest nations globally are home to a third of the total refugee population, housing around 6.7 million people, shedding light on the twisted irony of our world.
The narrative of asylum seekers, migrants, immigrants, and refugees converge on a common theme of search – for safety, better opportunities, or simply a chance at a stable life. Each group, however, has distinct circumstances and challenges.
Navigating through international laws, various policies, and societal responses, these individuals remind us of the strength and tenacity of the human spirit. Their stories encourage us to think, debate, and take actions that could ensure a fair and inclusive world.
Indeed, defining and distinguishing these terms – asylum seeker, migrant, immigrant, refugee – isn’t merely an exercise in semantics. It is an essential step in helping to shape policies and initiatives that respect the rights, safety, and dignity of all individuals.
Unfortunately, their journey often involves unforeseen threats and uncertainties. The stories they carry are timely reminders of the harsh reality of millions around the globe. The task before us is to ensure that their calls for help do not go unheard, and their rights and welfare are always safeguarded.