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. The U.S. gives priority to the voluntary and safe return of 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.