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

The riots broke out after three young girls were killed in a knife attack at a children's dance event in Southport, and subsequent misinformation the suspect was an asylum seeker.

From BBC

The court heard that Mr Heath described the Southport stabbings in July - when three children were killed, and 10 other people were injured - as a "tipping point", and falsely claimed the perpetrator was a failed asylum seeker who was on a plane to Rwanda "that got stopped" by the Labour party, Sir Keir Starmer and "other lefties".

From BBC

A court heard that Mark Heath repeatedly posted false claims that the offender behind the attacks was an asylum seeker named Ali Al Shakati on X.

From BBC

A man who stabbed an asylum seeker at a hotel in a "protest" against small boat crossings has been found guilty of attempted murder.

From BBC

A Syrian failed asylum seeker stabbed three people to death in Solingen, while a young student was murdered by a Moroccan national near Paris.

From BBC