A refugee crisis refers to difficulties and dangerous situations resulting from the reception of large groups of forcibly displaced persons (refugees) or asylum seekers. Large-scale refugee flows typically result from war, natural disasters, or other human-made calamities. They often become entwined with the politics and security concerns of local and international conflict, increasing the chances for scapegoating or manipulation of refugees. In addition, host states that have experienced civil war, especially a conflict based on communal differences that are reflected in refugee populations, are more likely to fear destabilization and curtail refugee protection measures.
In the 21st century, many large displacements are also caused by natural disasters – floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, mudslides, droughts – and climate change is expected to exacerbate them. Displacement by these events is mostly internal but, depending on the timing and duration of the disaster and the severity of its impact, it may cross borders. In such cases, existing refugee law instruments do not adequately address these displaced people’s plight.
The prevailing refugee crisis is also complicated by the way in which many rich countries treat refugees as somebody else’s problem. This enables poorer countries, which mostly have the capacity to accommodate refugee populations, to manipulate and exploit refugee flows. This is a serious political and humanitarian crisis that calls for the creation of fair and accessible legal pathways to refugee protection. It is critical that Congress, the Biden administration, and state and local leaders work together much more effectively to turn these genuine challenges into opportunities.