125 Human migrations are a phenomenon attested since the most ancient times. In modern history, it is especially from the sixteenth century that the greatest movements have occurred, with the discovery of the American continent. The word comes from the Greek asylon. It was used to refer to a sanctuary or inviolable place of refuge and protection for criminals and debtors, from which they could not be be forcibly removed without sacrilege. The numbers have doubled in the past few years. Can you guess why? ONLINE RESOURCES Cultural mediation for immigrants (IM)MIGRANTS, REFUGEES, AND ASYLUM SEEKERS Every day, people around the world make the difficult decision to leave their countries in search of safety and better lives. There are over 120 million men, women, and children around the world who have been forced to flee their homes . This number which includes refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons has doubled in just ten years . Moreover, there are others who are looking for jobs or an education and people who want to live permanently in another country. Immigrants and migrants An immigrant is someone who makes a conscious decision to leave their home and move to a foreign country with the intention of settling there permanently. Many become lawful permanent residents and eventually citizens in the new country. Immigrants research their destinations, explore employment opportunities, and study the language of the country where they plan to live. Obviously, they are free to return home whenever they choose. Refugees A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their home because of war, violence, or persecution. They are unable to return home unless and until conditions in their native lands are safe for them again. An official entity such as a government or the United Nations Refugee Agency determines whether a person seeking international protection meets the definition of a refugee. Those who obtain refugee status are given protection under international laws and conventions from aid agencies. Asylum seekers An asylum seeker is someone who is also seeking international protection from danger in their home country, but whose claim for refugee status hasn t been determined legally. Asylum seekers must apply for protection in the country of destination meaning they must arrive at or cross a border in order to apply. border: confine claim: richiesta to flee: fuggire to settle: stanziarsi 252 DIffICULtIES A migrant, instead, is someone who is moving from place to place (within their country or across borders), usually for economic reasons such as work. Similar to immigrants, they are not forced to leave their native countries because of persecution or violence but rather seeking better opportunities.