| The purpose of this study is to examine the changing priorities of the U.S. government by reviewing the development of the U.S. definition of refugee.;Although historically the U.S. government has placed national interest concerns above humanitarian considerations when developing refugee policy, the past 25 years have seen a trend toward emphasizing the rights of refugees apart from political considerations. However, the primary role and responsibility of civil government--to protect the inalienable rights and provide for the security of its own citizens--should continue to be reflected in the definition of refugee.;Since the U.S. was founded on the idea that civil government should protect the life and liberty of its citizens, it should define refugees as those fleeing the threat of death, torture or imprisonment due to their race, nationality, religious or political beliefs, rather than deprivation of social-economic "rights." Recommendations will be made for a definition which reflects the proper priorities of civil government. |
