They have been singled out because of their political beliefs, religion, or racial background. Refugees are the living casualties of continued war and persecution in the world. Millions were displaced by the Vietnam War. The recent Gulf War displaced more than 2 million. Large numbers of refugees will not abate until political conflict and war come to an end.
Refugees usually leave with little warning and endure great hardships during their flight.
Once they reach the border of the neighboring country, they are often placed in overcrowded refugee camps where conditions are harsh, non-productive, and lack the most basic provisions. Most would go home if conditions would allow it, but this is often not possible. Another solution is to start over in a nearby country that is similar in culture, agriculture, food and perhaps even customs. Each year, the U.S. government sets a limit on the number of refugees that can be resettled in this country. For many years, refugees came to the U.S. from communist countries.