Persons who are fleeing persecution in their homeland based on religion, race, political affiliation, or nationality are considered to be refugees under the U.S. refugee policy. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program offers resettlement options to individuals from around the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. Until a request for refuge has been accepted, a candidate seeking refugee status is referred to as an asylum seeker. After the recognition of the asylum seeker's need for protection, he or she is officially referred to as a refugee. The term "asylum refugee" can also refer to persons fleeing persecution for religious, social, or political beliefs. The U.S. gives priority to the voluntary and safe return of asylum refugees to their homelands, spelled out in the Refugee Act of 1980. If safe and voluntary return is not possible, then other solutions are considered, such as resettlement in countries of asylum. Refugees in urgent need of protection, and refugees without other suitable solutions can be resettled in other countries, including the United States. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that there are 12 million people currently classified as refugees. Many more are displaced within their home countries by civil unrest, famine, and war. The U.S. works with the international community to protect refugees and ensure that their basic needs for shelter, food, and health care are met.