Jargon Guide

Do you despair at the sight of acronyms? Are you confused by all the different categories of refugees? Do find yourself coming across contradictions in the media?

We've compiled this useful Jargon Busting list to ensure you are clued up on the terminology.

Immigrant – all-encompassing term that refers to anyone who has come to live in this country - refugees, asylum seekers, international students, people on work visas, marriage visas and many more!

Asylum Seeker – someone who comes to the UK to claim asylum from persecution.  They have submitted an application to the Home Office and are still waiting to hear the outcome.  They are not illegal immigrants!

Refugee – someone who has claimed asylum, received a positive decision from the Home Office and been granted some form of leave to remain in this country

Failed Asylum Seeker – someone who has claimed asylum, but received a negative decision from the Home Office.  They are not illegal immigrants, but have no entitlements and are likely to be removed from the country at some point in the future.

Separated Children – children separated from their parents, usually because of war, disaster or on a journey to a new country. 

UASC (Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children or Child) – young person under 18 who arrives in the UK without a parent or guardian and claims asylum.  Looked after by Local Authorities.

ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) – gives a person the right to remain in the UK permanently.

Refugee Status – given to asylum seekers whose cases meet the criteria of the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Rights of Refugees.  They have been able to prove that if they are returned home they will be persecuted because of their:

  • Race
  • Religion
  • Nationality
  • Social group or
  • Political opinions

Asylum seekers who are awarded Refugee Status get five years leave to remain.

DLR (Discretionary Leave to Remain) – created to allow the government to give applicants with unique cases temporary permission to stay.  Many UASC are granted DLR until their 18th birthday.  After that they must apply for an extension, which many fail to get.

HP (Humanitarian Protection) – enables the government to give permission to stay to people who if returned would face persecution for a reason not listed in the 1951 Convention, for example because of their gender or sexuality.  This status is also for a limited period of time.