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

One, a 24-year-old Guatemalan asylum seeker named Yulisa Alvarado Ambrocio, was spared detention only because her breastfeeding 11-month-old was with her in court, records show.

From Los Angeles Times

The Home Office pays Mears a fee for each asylum seeker it provides food, shelter and services to.

From BBC

She first claimed asylum in Italy in 2016, but after a long wait there she moved to France and then Germany, where her asylum claims were rejected as according to the EU's Dublin regulation an asylum seeker is usually expected to apply for asylum in the first EU country they enter.

From BBC

“Shortening the validity period of work permits is bad for everyone,” said Conchita Cruz, co-executive director of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, a membership organization of asylum seekers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Falkirk Council's leader, SNP councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, said no asylum seeker was given priority over anyone else.

From BBC