What is the difference between refugee status and asylum status?

The difference between refugee status and asylum status include the following: refugees are often forced to cross into a different nation due to not being able to return home safely while an asylum seeker may be in a foreign country for the same or similar aforementioned reasons, but has no yet received formal refugee status.

Explanation:

According to United States law, refugees have the right to remain in the U. S. indefinitely, receive a work permit, and receive government support during their first months in the United States. After a year of entry, they can apply for U. S. permanent resident status (a green card). After four years as a resident, they may apply for U. S. citizenship.

Asylees have the right to remain in the U. S. indefinitely and can apply for a work permit as soon as their asylum is approved. After one year of approval for asylum, one can then apply to be come a resident status, followed by citizenship as stated above.