What is the Difference?

Although both refugees and asylum seekers meet the same legal definition under U.S. and international law, their paths to protection differ significantly.

Refugees

Refugees apply for protection from outside the United States, often after fleeing to neighboring countries and registering with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). They typically wait in refugee camps or temporary host countries for months or years while undergoing extensive screening. Once approved through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), they are granted travel to the U.S., where they arrive with legal status, a work permit, and immediate access to resettlement services. These services—traditionally provided by agencies like World Relief and Catholic Charities—include housing assistance, case management, food aid, and medical coverage such as Medicaid or Refugee Medical Assistance.

Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers arrive at a U.S. port of entry or on a valid visa, then apply for protection once inside the United States. Unlike refugees, they receive no initial support from the government. Most must navigate the asylum process alone—without legal counsel, translation help, or housing assistance. They are not eligible to work until 150 days after filing their asylum application, and even then must wait at least 180 days before receiving a work permit.

During the years-long wait for a court decision—currently averaging over four years—asylum seekers remain ineligible for most public benefits. Only limited programs like WIC (for pregnant women and children) or disability-specific aid may be available in some states. USCIS

DASH exists to stand in this gap.

Photo Credit: Kim Leeson