I OFFERED A SHORT ANSWER TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTION BY QUORA: How does the US define a 'refugee'?

 This answer is for general knowledge and is not a complete and comprehensive definition.

A REFUGEE, by definition, is an Individual who seeks to move or live in another Country or Jurisdiction, because of Traumatic, Destructive, or Inhumane conditions that exist in their current place of Residence, be it a Region or Country.

A Refugee- Seeks Sanctuary or Asylum to alleviate the suffering that specific living conditions in their current place of habitation or residence are causing them.

Refugee status, if allowed, does not grant Individual Citizenship. It is generally a HUMANITARIAN GESTURE TO AID THOSE LIVING IN INTOLERABLE CONDITIONS, TO BE ALLOWED SANCTUARY UNTIL THE CONDITIONS THAT CAUSED THEIR CHOOSING TO LEAVE ARE ALLEVIATED OR ENDED.

The cause(s) for seeking Refugee or Asylum status could be events such as Change of Government, War or Domestic Strife, Natural Disasters, Famine, or Pestilence.

Can a Refugee become a Resident or Legal Immigrant? Yes, but that is a different process, and is not automatic. A different set of Rules and Standards apply.