Reading Room Document

Definition of "Refugee" Under the Refugee Act of 1980

The document is a memorandum discussing the definition of "refugee" under the Refugee Act of 1980. It addresses the background and meaning of the definition, as well as the issues that may arise in testimony before Congress on the admission of refugees. The conclusions reached in the document include the expansion of the definition to cover those persecuted, the adoption of the definition from the United Nations Convention, and the need for individualized review of refugee status applications. The document also presents questions for review, such as the distinction between economic migrants and refugees, the basis for eligibility as a refugee, and the evaluation of fear of persecution on an individual basis.

August 24, 1981