Understanding the Refugee Act of 1980

What did the Refugee Act of 1980 do?

a. Admitted only political refugees to the United States

b. Admitted both political and economic refugees to the United States

Answer:

The statement that the Refugee Act of 1980 admitted only political refugees to the United States is false.

The Refugee Act of 1980 was a significant piece of legislation that reformed US immigration laws in regards to refugee admission. This act did not admit only political refugees, but it allowed for the admission of both political and economic refugees to the United States.

The act broadened the definition of a refugee to include anyone with a "well-founded fear of persecution" based on various factors such as politics, religion, race, or nationality. It provided more flexibility in admitting refugees and also included measures for family reunification and attracting skilled labor immigrants to the United States.

It is important to note that individuals who had participated in the persecution of others were specifically barred from being considered as refugees under this act. Overall, the Refugee Act of 1980 paved the way for a more inclusive approach to refugee admission in the United States.