asylum seeker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asylum seeker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who looks for protection from persecution in another country. Example: "The Canadian government has been criticized for its treatment of asylum seekers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Political asylum seeker.

The Times

Josephine was an asylum seeker.

The Guardian - Opinion

One asylum seeker was injured.

The New York Times

Most people don't know an asylum seeker.

The Guardian

Another asylum seeker witnessed the assault.

The Guardian

Claudia is an asylum seeker herself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Under Italian law, asylum seekers are housed in Asylum Seeker Centres.

BMC Infectious Diseases

He is not a failed asylum-seeker.

Independent

"People began to see me as an asylum-seeker.

The New York Times

He had once had a U.N.-issued asylum-seeker certificate.

The New Yorker

Australia's asylum-seeker policies were meant to prevent all this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid generalizations when discussing "asylum seekers"; acknowledge their individual circumstances and experiences to promote empathy and understanding.

Common error

A common mistake is using "refugee" and "asylum seeker" interchangeably. Use "asylum seeker" when referring to someone whose claim is still being processed; reserve "refugee" for those with accepted claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asylum seeker" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a common noun, referring to a person who seeks protection from persecution in another country. Ludwig indicates this term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "asylum seeker" accurately describes an individual seeking international protection, differentiating them from refugees whose claims have been approved. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its frequent appearance in news, scientific literature, and formal documents underscores its importance in these fields. When writing, avoid generalizations and the interchangeable use of "asylum seeker" and "refugee". Key considerations include accurate usage, awareness of related terms like "refugee claimant", and understanding the challenges faced by "asylum seekers".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applicant for asylum

Emphasizes the individual's role as someone who has applied for asylum.

refugee claimant

Focuses on the act of claiming refugee status, emphasizing the legal process.

political refugee

Specifies that the reason for seeking refuge is political.

person seeking refuge

Highlights the state of needing protection, broadening the scope beyond formal asylum processes.

individual fleeing persecution

Focuses on the reason for seeking refuge: escaping persecution.

migrant seeking protection

Highlights the migratory aspect while emphasizing the need for protection.

displaced person

A broader term encompassing anyone forced to leave their home, including but not limited to asylum seekers.

person in need of protection

A more general term, encompassing various forms of protection including asylum.

economic migrant

Highlights economic reasons for migration, differentiating from asylum seekers who primarily flee persecution.

irregular migrant

Describes a migrant who has entered a country without the necessary documentation.

FAQs

How does the legal definition of "asylum seeker" differ from that of a "refugee"?

An asylum seeker is someone who has applied for protection and is waiting for a decision on their claim. A refugee is someone whose claim has been approved and is granted protection under international or national law. The key difference is the status of their application.

What are some common challenges faced by "asylum seekers"?

Asylum seekers often face numerous challenges, including navigating complex legal processes, dealing with language barriers, experiencing social isolation, and struggling with mental health issues related to their past trauma and uncertain future.

Is it accurate to use the term "migrant" instead of "asylum seeker"?

While an asylum seeker is technically a migrant, using "migrant" can be misleading as it doesn't convey the specific reason for their migration, which is seeking protection from persecution. It's more accurate to use the term "asylum seeker" when referring to someone seeking asylum.

What is the difference between an "asylum seeker" and an "economic migrant"?

An asylum seeker is fleeing persecution or serious harm in their home country and seeking international protection. An economic migrant, on the other hand, is primarily seeking better economic opportunities in another country. The motivations behind their migration are fundamentally different.