Refugees are those who seek refuge:
ref·uge n.
1. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship.
2. A place providing protection or shelter.
3. A source of help, relief, or comfort in times of trouble.
(yourDictionary.com)
Thus "refugee" is perfect, "Modern" dictionary definitions notwithstanding. Yes, dictionaries have become political. Highly so. They did not used to be. The newer definitions do not have to be accepted.
"Yes, dictionaries have become political."
LOL, what isn't anymore.
But tell me, when you here the word, refugee, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it shows my age, but the first thing that comes to my mind when I see or hear the word 'refugee' is someone that is escaping from another country because of some threat.