Asylum is requested by someone already inside the U.S. or at a port of entry.

Refugee status is requested from outside the U.S., usually through UNHCR referral.

Both protect people facing persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group.

The main difference is where you apply: asylum is requested inside the U.S. or at a port of entry, while refugee status is applied for from outside the U.S. through the refugee program.

Asylum is asked for inside the U.S., while refugee status is asked for before coming to the U.S.

Asylum is asked for inside the U.S., while refugee status is asked for before coming to the U.S.