Does the United States offer immigrant visas to aliens who are facing persecution in their country of origin?
The Refugee Act of 1980 provides protection to refugees and asylees within the United States borders.  The Act defines a refugee as “any person who is outside of any country of such person’s nationality… who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.”  To qualify for refugee or asylee status, an individual must satisfy this definition.

What is the difference between a refugee and an asylee?
Refugees and asylees are very similar groups.  The key difference between the two is that refugees apply for status outside of their home country but not in the United States, and asylees apply for status here in the United States.  Becoming classified as a refugee or an asylee can be fraught with difficulty so applicants should seek legal counsel.  Once an alien is granted refugee or asylee status it can be easier for him to obtain permanent residency.