Refugees

Recently the world has witnessed more than 60 nations in various states of war, genocide, and ethnic [Page 405]conflict, resulting in millions of people's lives being dramatically disrupted and physically displaced. The U.S. Committee for Refugees has estimated that there are 35 million refugees worldwide, 20 times more than there were 50 years ago. Refugee numbers are projected to continue rising.

Refugees are characterized by their involuntary forced migration, as contrasted with displaced persons, who freely choose to migrate and are thus classified as immigrants. Despite the growing numbers of refugees and a great need for receptive host countries, many nations are increasingly reluctant to open their doors for resettlement, as a result of governments more rigidly interpreting the 1951 United Nations Convention definition of refugee ...