The similarities and differences between refugees and immigrants

The Similarities and Differences between Refugees and Immigrants
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The Similarities and Differences between Refugees and Immigrants
Thousands of people leave their country every year to settle in another nation. These people can either be refugees or immigrants. Although these two words can be used interchangeably, there is a difference between them.
People often confuse refugees with immigrants because of the similarities between the two groups. The first similarity is that both groups cross borders to settle in other countries where they are considered newcomers. Besides, both groups usually face similar problems in the countries they migrate to, for instance, loneliness and depression (Segal & Mayadas, 2005). They also face discrimination and oppression at some point because of the color of their skin.
The first difference is that refugees flee their home country because of persecution or war, and are in a position to prove it. On the other hand, immigrants flee their nation to settle in another country due to other reasons like poverty or to seek better opportunities (Sengupta, 2015). Again, immigrants who lack legal papers can be deported. This does not apply to refugees as they are protected by international law. Besides, refugees are never willing to return to their country because of fear. Immigrants leave their country by choice and can decide to go back. Refugees leave home with little or no plan and in many cases, they leave their belongings behind.

Conversely, immigrants plan well when moving to a new nation.
Some of the issues discussed above are depicted in the video clip “see refugees through new eyes.” This video was used in anti-xenophobia campaign to encourage Bulgarians to view refugees through a different lens. The video features a refugee who is complaining about xenophobia (UNHCRCentralEurope, 2014). This is a proof of the point noted earlier regarding discrimination and oppression against both refugees and immigrants. The refugee in the video is lonely and wishes he could get united with his family. This could mean he fled his country without planning because of war or persecution.
References
Segal, U. A., & Mayadas, N. S. (2005). Assessment of issues facing immigrant and refugee families. Child Welfare, 84(5), 563-583.
Sengupta, S. (2015, August 27). “Migrant or refugee? There is a difference, with legal implications.” The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/28/world/migrants-refugees-europe-syria.html.
UNHCRCentralEurope. (2014, November 25). “See refugees through new eyes – Bulgarian anti-xenophobia campaign.” YouTube Video. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivdlkExrZLc.