March - Who is a Refugee Claimant?
- events58962
- 6 hours ago
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First an Update from our Fundraiser Held February 27th
Thank you so much to everyone who partnered with Inasmuch in our annual fundraiser. We felt truly blessed to have so many people in the room sharing our common goal to see refugee claimants thrive in Canada.
As of right now we have raised a little over $40,000 which is just $10,000 shy of our goal of $50,000! We are also still looking for 20 more monthly donors, even just $10 a month can make a difference! To reach that goal any donations made from the dates of March 2 - 8 will be added to our total. Join in making a huge impact, now is your chance!
At Inasmuch, we are often asked: What is the difference between a refugee and a refugee claimant?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same.
A refugee is someone who has already been approved for protection before arriving in Canada. Their status has been formally recognized, and they arrive with permanent residency and structured government support.
A refugee claimant (sometimes called an asylum seeker) is someone who arrives in Canada first and then makes a claim for protection. They must prove that they were personally targeted and faced imminent danger of persecution, torture, or death in their home country, and that their government could not or would not protect them.
Refugee claimants:
Arrive independently
Have their passports taken during the process
Undergo background checks and medical exams
Wait 1–2 years for a hearing
Have no guarantee their claim will be accepted
They follow a fully legal process, claiming asylum through the Canada Border Services Agency and Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada.
Everyone served at Inasmuch is in Canada legally and navigating this formal system.
Refugee claimants represent the smallest category of displaced people and receive the least government support. Many were professionals, business owners, educators, healthcare workers, or community leaders who were personally targeted for standing against corruption, injustice, or extremism. Fleeing was not a pursuit of opportunity; it was a decision made to preserve life.
During the long and uncertain waiting period, Inasmuch provides:
Safe, transitional housing for men and women
Second-stage housing for families
A stable, dignified environment during the asylum process
Practical support as individuals prepare for independent living
Household furnishings to help establish their first home
We do not require residents to share their stories. Their trauma is sacred, and their dignity matters.
Understanding the distinction between refugee and refugee claimant helps clarify why this support is so essential. While waiting for their hearing, individuals live in uncertainty, and stable housing becomes the foundation from which they can rebuild their lives.
At Inasmuch, we are able to offer that foundation.
