Introduction to Immigration Statuses

Introduction to Immigration Statuses

Learn the key differences between refugee, asylee, asylum seeker, TPS, Cuban/Haitian entrant, and humanitarian parole statuses with clear explanations for staff and community members.

Date Released

November 21, 2025

Additional Resources

Designed for staff, case workers, and community members who support refugees and newcomers, this micro-lesson provides an introduction to the most common immigration statuses in the United States, including refugee, asylee, asylum seeker, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and humanitarian parole. It explains what each status means, how people qualify, and why understanding these distinctions matters when connecting clients to benefits, employment, and legal support. Viewers will gain confidence in identifying and discussing different immigration categories while learning simple, accurate ways to explain them to clients.

Note: This micro-lesson and the below resources provide general information and are not legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration attorney for case-specific questions.

Resource Links

Important Websites

Executive Office for Immigration Review
- Recognition & Accreditation (R&A) Program
Switchboard TA
- Resource Collection: Getting Started in Navigating ORR Eligibility
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
International Institute of Minnesota
- Understanding Immigration Terminology
CLINIC
- Resource Page
Welcome.US
- Latest changes to humanitarian parole programs

Videos/PDFs

Refugee Housing Solutions
- Who is a Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Humanitarian Parolee?
Switchboard TA
- Understanding Newcomer Immigration Statuses

These resources are provided to support continued learning. Some were created for different fields or contexts, and you are encouraged to take what is helpful and adapt it to your work. These materials are not sponsored by Solvera Consulting or SupportGuide; they are offered solely as supplemental learning tools.