World Refugee Day: June 20, 2011
Archived Content
The information on this page is out of date. However, some of the content may still be useful, so we have archived the page.
What is a Refugee?
Under U.S. law a refugee is an individual who:
- Is located outside of the United States
- Demonstrates that they were persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
Is not firmly resettled in another country - Is of special humanitarian concern to the United States
- Is admissible to the United States
A refugee does not include anyone who ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Learn More About Refugees
On World Refugee Day take some time to learn about refugees and share this information with your friends.
- Visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Refugee websites for more information
- Test your knowledge with a quiz. Visit Refugeeweek.org (PDF)
- Read a book or watch a film. The International Rescue Committee offers a list of reading and visual education materials
- Learn how famous refugees have contributed to music, film and literature
- Read a blog post about one Refugee Officer's work
Get Involved
UNHCR is a great resource. Visit their website for a list of volunteer opportunities and other ways to help.
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