applying for refugee status

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applying for refugee status" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of seeking legal protection as a refugee in a country. Example: "After fleeing their home country due to persecution, they began applying for refugee status in Canada."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The largest numbers applying for refugee status came from Iran and Iraq.

The Guardian

Many go through legal channels, applying for refugee status and then asylum.

The Economist

They also call for scrutiny of people applying for refugee status as close relatives of refugees already living in America.

The New York Times

The statistics also showed that asylum applications were at their highest for 12 years, with 10,156 people applying for refugee status between July and September.

Independent

Even for those Iraqis lucky enough to be tapped by the United Nations, the process of applying for refugee status is expensive, risky and has no guarantee of success.

The New York Times

Hernández and her family are also applying for refugee status in Mexico – part of a growing number of migrants seeking asylum here after a Washington-backed crackdown launched in July 2014 made it much harder to reach the US.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The couple applied for refugee status in Moscow.

The New York Times

I applied for refugee status, but was refused.

The Guardian

In 2015, the family applied for refugee status and were granted it.

The Guardian

Many of Makhzomy's friends have emigrated to the west or applied for refugee status.

The Guardian

More than 7,500 people applied for refugee status in 2015, up 52percentt from a year earlier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "applying for refugee status", ensure you clarify the location or country where the application is being made for better context.

Common error

Avoid using "applying for refugee status" interchangeably with terms like "immigrating" or "seeking asylum". Refugee status specifically refers to seeking protection from persecution, while immigration covers a broader range of reasons for moving to a new country.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applying for refugee status" functions as a verbal phrase describing the action of formally requesting protection as a refugee. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from legal processes to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "applying for refugee status" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of seeking protection from persecution in a host country. Ludwig AI's analysis, along with examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its appropriate usage in both news and scientific contexts. The phrase functions to inform or describe an action and is characterized by a neutral register, leaning towards formal. For alternative phrasing, consider "seeking asylum" or requesting refugee protection, which convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking asylum

Refers to the act of requesting protection from persecution, focusing on the individual's need.

requesting refugee protection

Emphasizes the act of formally asking for protection as a refugee.

filing for refugee status

Focuses on the formal process of submitting the necessary documents.

lodging an application for refugee status

A more formal way of saying "applying", often used in legal or official contexts.

registering as a refugee

Highlights the act of officially registering with an organization or government.

seeking humanitarian protection

Broadens the scope to include various forms of protection based on humanitarian grounds.

claiming asylum

Similar to seeking asylum, but can also imply a more assertive or urgent need for protection.

pursuing refugee status

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and determination in obtaining refugee status.

initiating refugee proceedings

Refers to the start of the legal process to be recognized as a refugee.

undergoing refugee determination

Focuses on the process of having one's refugee status assessed by authorities.

FAQs

What does "applying for refugee status" mean?

It means formally seeking protection from a host country because you fear persecution in your home country, according to the criteria defined in international and national laws.

What is a synonym for "applying for refugee status"?

A close synonym is "seeking asylum", which also refers to requesting protection from persecution.

Where can someone "apply for refugee status"?

Typically, individuals can "apply for refugee status" upon arriving in a country they are seeking protection from, or sometimes at embassies or consulates abroad.

What's the difference between "applying for refugee status" and immigrating?

"Applying for refugee status" specifically involves seeking protection from persecution, while immigrating refers to moving to a new country for various reasons, such as work, study, or family reunification. They are distinct legal processes.