Following the Critical Refugee Studies Collective, we define refugees as human beings forcibly displaced within or outside of their land of origin as a result of persecution, conflict, war, conquest, settler/colonialism, militarism, occupation, empire,  and environmental and climate-related disasters, regardless of their legal status. Refugees can be self-identified and are often unrecognized within the limited definitions proffered by international and state laws, hence may be subsumed, in those instances, under other labels such as  "undocumented".

OUR GOALS

San Diego has the distinction of being home to one of the largest concentrations of refugees in the United States. Learn when, how, and why refugees from all over the world have resettled in San Diego and how they have adjusted to their local schools, jobs, and living environments. Refugee San Diego is committed to showcasing the rich and multifaceted lives of refugees in the region.