• Skelectus@suppo.fi
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    edit-2
    8 months ago

    I believe the difference is that an expat moved there non-permanently, while an immigrant moved there permanently

    Though if I ever somehow became an expat, I wouldn’t use the word because of how people associate it.

    • puppy@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      7 months ago

      Immigrant = Someone who has moved to another country permanently. Migrant = Someone who has moved to another country temporarily.

      Expat is often used by western migrants who don’t like the word “migrant”.

      I take issue with it because people classify an Indian doctor moved to the US as a migrant but an American doctor eho has moved to Europe is an expat.

    • FlorianSimon@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      8 months ago

      What you call an expat is a temporary immigrant. “Expats” fill immigration forms in their country of migration, not expatriation forms. Politicians pass laws that govern immigration, not expatriation.

      That word is meant to differentiate rich (and white, often) workers from the poor, because “immigrant” has a negative connotation. That’s why I take issue with it.

      The truth is, the poor might be temporary migrants too (cf Pakistanis in Dubai). The media still uses the word migrants for those. We don’t know if they’re “expats” or not, we just assume because they’re not rich or white enough.

      Quick disclaimer here: I’m not saying you are racist for using the word. I just wanted to explain why I react so strongly when I hear it.