Refugees are individuals who are outside of the country of their nationality because of a well-founded fear of persecution and are unable or, owing to their fear of persecution, unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country. The persecution in question must be for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. If a person is a national of more than one country, the above conditions must apply with respect to all of the countries. The term “refugee” also includes a person who has no nationality and is outside the country of the person's former habitual residence, and who is unable or, owing to such fear of persecution, unwilling to return to it.

Stateless person is defined in RS 02640.040.

The procedures for establishing refugee status are evolving rapidly. Establish refugee status in accordance with the latest policy for documenting refugee status for purposes of issuing a Social Security number. If the applicant cannot submit the required documents to establish refugee status, obtain a signed statement from the applicant explaining why the documents are not available and accept any evidence the applicant wishes to submit. When a determination of refugee status is needed, the Division of International Operations will submit the case to the Office of Income Security Programs, Office of Strategic Planning, Notices, and International Policy for a special determination.

Establish stateless person status in accordance with RS 02640.040.