Clearing up some terms

THE EDITOR: With the influx of so many people into the country we need to differentiate who is a refugee, a migrant, or an asylum seeker.

A refugee is someone who has been compelled to move from their home because of violence, war or persecution.

A migrant is someone who has chosen to move for a new job or to be with family.

An asylum seeker is someone who claims to be a refugee but whose claim has not been evaluated. Someone is an asylum seeker for as long as their application is pending.

Not every asylum seeker is a refugee. Every refugee is initially an asylum seeker.

Hope this clears it up.

AV RAMPERSAD

Princes Town