This court, however, may rule on points of law only, and an appeal lodged with the court does not necessarily suspend deportation orders. Asylum seekers usually reside in government-run refugee reception centers during the normal asylum procedure. Asylum applicants may remain in the reception centers until the Council for Refugees issues a negative decision in the second instance. In 2000, most applicants awaiting appeals decisions from the Supreme Administrative Court relied on government support for accommodations and assistance. Recognized refugees have the right to work, receive social assistance on the same terms as Polish citizens, and can apply for permanent residence permits after three years.
Recognized refugees are eligible for citizenship after five years of permanent residence.
The government committed itself to rectifying these discrepancies by mid-2001, when it intends to pass several amendments to the Aliens Act. Roma As in much of Eastern Europe, the Roma in Poland face discrimination in housing and employment. Several hundred Polish Roma sought asylum abroad in 2000. Few Western European governments grant Roma asylum, contending they are economic migrants, not refugees. However, Polish border guards may detain undocumented foreigners, including asylum seekers, although filing for asylum will suspend their deportation.