I was thinking groups like the Mennonites and Jews widely persecuted in 19th century Europe who fled. Or my own ancestors, who fled the USSR. That said, refug

I was thinking groups like the Mennonites and Jews widely persecuted in 19th century Europe who fled. Or my own ancestors, who fled the USSR. That said, refugee isn't the wrong word to use for American loyalists who fled after the American revolution. Being a prominent loyalist made you persona non grata in the new United States of America. Forfeited property. A few were killed during and immediately after the war. Though most who stayed were absorbed soon enough and the whole ugly business forgotten about quite quickly.