Many boat people have legitimate claims for refugee status and many are granted such status by the government. Economic status has nothing to do with whether one is a refugee. In fact you can argue being wealthy puts you at greater risk of persecution. I would say the people who cram on a boat with 100-300 other people are pretty desperate. It's a very risky step to take and many have died doing it. I know because I have heard first hand stories from people who have taken this route.
