Refugees constitute one faction of the total immigrant student population.
Oftentimes, ethnic, religious, and intergroup conflicts within these countries lead to civil wars that subsequently force large numbers of exhiles to flee. When the refugees arrive in the host country such as the United States, they receive protection and are housed in temporary emergency accommodations until they can secure a place for themselves within mainstream society. The hardship of transitioning from a war-torn country to cramped conditions in the new country is overwhelming for many refugee immigrant students. Many refugee children miss significant years of education due to dislocation and flight. Thus, meeting the educational needs of refugee school children is critical for the host country in order to prevent the wasting away of existing talent in refugee communities.