No it doesn't grant refugee status, but if refugee status is repeatedly denied and appeal after appeal is lodged, dragging the whole thing out over several years, then an established family life in this country that has developed in the meantime is a very useful thing to have next time your case goes to court. But as you say you know the system very well then you will already know that.
The obvious response from most of us is 'how do you know he's not just playing you to increase his chances of being able to stay in the country?' and you sound like you've already decided that's not the case.
It also sounds as if you may be past the age where you are likely to have more children? You say your child is an adult who has left home. So if he knows having children with you isn't an option then again, that's one less potential red flag to worry about.
Which all just leaves me with the question 'why are you asking us?' What exactly are your concerns, if they are not any of the above?
If he shares your language is he from the same culture as you? Are you from an immigrant family yourself? If so, why would your family judge? Or by 'same language' do you mean he is from a country where it's common to speak English fluently from a young age, even if he has another language as well?
If you've got your own home and are financially independent I can see why they would worry that you might be being swept off your feet by someone tired of living in a hostel or whatever.
If he seems to be love bombing you and pushing for marriage or commitment very quickly, or wanting to borrow money or have you send money home to his family for 'medical expenses' or whatever, that would ring massive alarm bells. But you seem quite sure that his intentions are genuine so I am not sure what the issue is.