The Refugee Act of 1980: what have we learned?

"This article discusses the objectives of legislation enacted in 1980 that incorporated into U.S. law the international definition of a refugee. It examines the political climate that existed when the legislation was debated and how sudden, unforseen events affected the implementation of the new law. Particular attention is directed at understanding the difficulty the U.S. has experienced in achieving a nationality-neutral refugee program and in establishing a political asylum system that is fair but resistant to abuse." (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA)