[Kate!]

An asylum seeker is someone who has left their home country and is seeking protection in another country, claiming they fear persecution or harm, and their claim is still being assessed. An illegal immigrant, or undocumented migrant, is someone who has entered or remained in a country without the legal right to do so, often without proper documentation. While an asylum seeker is seeking legal status, an illegal immigrant lacks legal status.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Asylum Seeker:
Definition:
An asylum seeker is an individual who has crossed an international border and applied for asylum in another country, claiming they fear persecution or harm if they return to their home country.
Status:
Their claim is under consideration by the host country's immigration authorities.
Legality:
While they may have entered the country irregularly, they are not necessarily illegal immigrants as they are actively seeking legal protection through the asylum process.
Right to Apply:
Under international law, anyone has the right to apply for asylum in a country that has signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, and they have the right to remain until their claim is assessed.
Example:
A person fleeing war in their home country arrives at an airport in a different country and applies for asylum. They are an asylum seeker while their claim is being processed.
Illegal Immigrant (or Undocumented Migrant):
Definition: An illegal immigrant is someone who resides in a country without the legal right to do so, having either entered the country without authorization or overstayed a visa.
Status: They are considered to be in violation of that country's immigration laws.
Legality: They lack legal status and may face detention or deportation.
Example: Someone enters a country on a tourist visa and then stays beyond the visa's expiration date, or someone enters the country without authorization. They are considered illegal immigrants.
Key Differences:
Intent:
An asylum seeker intends to apply for legal protection, while an illegal immigrant may or may not have had any intent to seek legal status.
Legal Status:
An asylum seeker has applied for legal status, while an illegal immigrant lacks legal status.
Process:
An asylum seeker is undergoing a legal process to determine their status, while an illegal immigrant is in violation of immigration laws.