asylum seeker

[ uh-sahy-luhm see-ker ]

noun

1. a person, especially a political fugitive, who applies for refuge or asylum in a foreign country or its embassy.

asylum seeker

noun

1. a person who, from fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, social group, or political opinion, has crossed an international frontier into a country in which he or she hopes to be granted refugee status

Word History and Origins

Origin of asylum seeker¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Vulnerable Afghans may include Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, internally displaced Afghans, victims of conflict, and Afghans in need of protection.

From The Daily Beast

Follow campaigns such as the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants’ push to provide safe, legal routes for asylum seekers into host countries.

From Time

This is the only way for asylum seekers to go north in an orderly and safe manner.

From Washington Blade

Some of these groups are reportedly worried that their short-staffed offices in Mexico will be overwhelmed by asylum seekers.

From Voice of San Diego

So, this alienates many asylum seekers from severely needed employment and leaves them financially insecure as they navigate the torrent of preventing the possibility of having to return to their home country.

From Washington Blade

Yousef, a gay Iranian who asked to be identified only by his first name out of fear of repercussions, is one such asylum seeker.

From The Daily Beast

But this is far from the first time an asylum-seeker has made false claims.

From The Daily Beast

She was an immigrant asylum seeker, and embellishment of asylum applications is extremely common.

From The Daily Beast

A smuggler's boat loaded with asylum seeker was intercepted by the Australian Navy as it headed to Christmas Island.

From The Daily Beast