What is a common characteristic of refugees according to migration studies?

Refugees are defined primarily by their need for protection from persecution or violence in their home countries. According to migration studies, a fundamental characteristic of refugees is that they have a well-founded fear of persecution due to factors such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. This fear drives them to flee their country, often under dire circumstances, seeking safety and asylum in another nation.

The other options highlight motivations or circumstances that do not align with the definition of refugees. For instance, those who voluntarily leave their country for economic opportunities are typically classified as economic migrants rather than refugees. Additionally, possessing a work visa suggests a planned immigration status rather than the urgent, protective retreat characteristic of refugees. Lastly, aiming to migrate temporarily again contrasts with the refugee experience, which is rooted in the necessity of seeking safety, often leading to longer-term resettlement intentions.