This article examines issues related to the interpretation of the definitions of «refugee» and «forced migrant», their comparison, and legislative codification. Approaches to understanding these definitions in the academic community are explored. Suggestions are made for improving the legal definitions of the terms «refugee», «forced migrant», and «family members of refugees». Statistical data on the number of refugees arriving in Russia in recent years is analyzed. Measures are proposed to improve national security measures, including preventing terrorist attacks involving refugees and illegal migrants within the Russian Federation.