asylee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, legal, administrative, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “asylee” mean?
A person who has fled their country and is seeking asylum in another country.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who has fled their country and is seeking asylum in another country.
Specifically refers to an individual who has left their nation due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, and is formally applying for or has been granted protection (asylum) in a foreign country under international law.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'asylee' is more commonly used in American English. In British English, the phrase 'asylum seeker' is overwhelmingly preferred in general discourse, with 'asylee' being rare and potentially unfamiliar to the general public.
Connotations
In the US, 'asylee' is a standard, neutral legal term. In the UK, using 'asylee' might sound like an Americanism or overly technical jargon.
Frequency
High frequency in US legal/immigration contexts; low to very low frequency in UK contexts of any kind.
Grammar
How to Use “asylee” in a Sentence
[asylee + from + country][asylee + seeking/granted/denied + asylum][asylee + who/that + clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asylee” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb form does not exist. Use 'seek asylum'.
- The government decided to grant him asylum.
American English
- The verb form does not exist. Use 'apply for asylum' or 'be granted asylum'.
- She will asylee. (Incorrect) -> She will apply for asylum. (Correct)
adverb
British English
- No adverbial form exists.
- He arrived asylee. (Incorrect)
American English
- No adverbial form exists.
- They were treated asylee. (Incorrect)
adjective
British English
- Asylee rights are protected under international law. (Rare, 'asylum seeker rights' is preferred)
- The asylee population in the centre has grown.
American English
- The asylee application process can take years.
- They discussed asylee policy reforms at the hearing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in corporate social responsibility reports or diversity hiring initiatives.
Academic
Common in law, political science, international relations, and sociology papers discussing migration and refugee law.
Everyday
Uncommon. Most people would use 'asylum seeker' or 'refugee' in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in immigration law, government procedures, and NGO documentation, particularly in the US.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asylee”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asylee”
- Confusing 'asylee' (person) with 'asylum' (status/place).
- Using 'asylee' and 'refugee' interchangeably (a refugee's status is often determined before arrival; an asylee applies from within the host country).
- Misspelling as 'aslyee' or 'asilee'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈeɪ.saɪ.liː/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The key difference is location at the time of status determination. An asylee applies for and is granted asylum while physically present in the host country or at a port of entry. A refugee is granted refugee status while outside the host country, often from a third country or a refugee camp, before being resettled.
No, 'asylee' is only a noun. The related verb phrases are 'to seek asylum', 'to apply for asylum', or 'to be granted asylum'.
It is a neutral, technical term. Its connotations depend entirely on context. In legal documents, it is purely descriptive. In political discourse, it can be framed positively (someone deserving protection) or negatively (depending on the speaker's views on immigration).
The standard plural is 'asylees'.
A person who has fled their country and is seeking asylum in another country.
Asylee is usually formal, legal, administrative, journalistic in register.
Asylee: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæs.ɪˈliː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæs.əˌli/ or /ˌæs.əˈliː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ASYLum' + 'EE' (like in 'employee' – a person who receives something). An asylee is a person who receives asylum.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAFETY IS A DESTINATION (The asylee arrives at safety). THE STATE IS A PROTECTOR (The asylee is under the protection of a new state).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'asylee' most commonly and naturally used?