asylum seeker

American  

[uh-sahy-luhm see-ker] / əˈsaɪ ləm ˌsi kər /

noun

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

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asylum seeker British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of asylum seeker

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

He was placed in asylum seeker accommodation in June 2021, asylum was refused in 2023, and his appeal against that decision was rejected by a judge on 31 December 2025.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

In one case, an asylum seeker said he went on a 250-mile cab journey to a GP, costing the Home Office £600.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

"Right now, unfortunately, we're in God's hands," said Richard Torres, a 39-year-old asylum seeker from Venezuela.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Nina, a 25-year-old asylum seeker from Ecuador, told AFP, withholding her full name.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

An asylum seeker must already be present in the US.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi