Immigrant vs. Migrant: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 7, 2023
An immigrant moves to another country intending to reside there permanently. A migrant may move across borders, but without a permanent stay intent, often driven by work, seasons, or temporary situations.
Key Differences
Immigrants typically move from one country to another with the intention of establishing a permanent or semi-permanent residence in the new location. The motivation behind immigration can stem from a variety of factors, including the pursuit of better economic opportunities, escaping conflict or persecution, or reuniting with family members.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Migrants might also move from one country to another, but this movement can be seasonal or temporary. For example, a person might migrate to find temporary work or to escape harsh weather conditions but does not intend to establish permanent residency in the new location.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
The term immigrant implies a level of permanence in the move, reflecting a decision to build a new, ongoing life in the destination country. Immigrants often undergo a legal process to establish permanent residency, potentially leading to citizenship.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
In contrast, migrants might move for seasonal work, and their movement might not always lead to legal permanent residency. Migrants might return to their home country once the purpose of the migration (like a job or safety during a conflict) is resolved.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Legal implications also differ; immigrants often face processes and policies centered around obtaining legal status in the destination country, potentially involving pathways to citizenship. This may involve extensive legal processes and documentation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
For migrants, the legal and social systems they encounter may focus on temporary statuses, as their stay is often not intended to be permanent. This might involve different types of visas, such as work or tourist visas, and does not typically lead to citizenship.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Motivation
Establishing new life
Work, safety, or other short-term needs
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Immigrant and Migrant Definitions
Immigrant
An immigrant can also move to join family members in another country.
Maria is an immigrant who moved to the U.S. to be with her siblings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Migrant
Migrants might relocate temporarily due to environmental factors.
The migrant family moves south each winter to avoid harsh conditions.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Immigrant
Immigrants typically undergo legal processes to reside in a new country.
The immigrant worked diligently to fulfill all visa requirements.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Migrant
Migrants can be individuals who seek temporary refuge from conflicts.
The migrant found shelter in a neighboring country during the war.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Immigrant
Immigrants often relocate to seek better living conditions.
The immigrant family chose Canada for its strong healthcare system.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Migrant
Migrants may not necessarily seek permanent residency in a new place.
The migrant enjoys experiencing different cultures while working abroad.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Immigrant
Immigrants might move to escape adversity or persecution.
The immigrant journalist fled his country due to threats against his work.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Migrant
Migrants often move between their home country and elsewhere.
The migrant spends summers working in the U.S. and winters in Mexico.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Immigrant
An immigrant is a person who moves to another country permanently.
My neighbor is an immigrant from Italy, and she has lived here for 20 years.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Migrant
A migrant is a person who moves from place to place, often for work.
The migrant worker travels annually to harvest seasonal crops.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Migrant
An organism, especially an animal, that moves from one region to another (as for breeding) or that has established itself in an area where it previously did not exist.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 20, 2019
Immigrant
An organism that establishes itself in an area where it previously did not exist.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 20, 2019
Migrant
An itinerant worker who travels from one area to another in search of work.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 20, 2019
Migrant
A person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another; an immigrant.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 20, 2019
FAQs
What is an immigrant?
An immigrant is a person who moves to another country intending to live there permanently.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can "immigrant" be used as an adjective?
No, when used as an adjective, it becomes "immigrant" as in "immigrant population".
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
What’s the origin of the word "immigrant"?
"Immigrant" originates from the Latin word "immigrare," which means to go into.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
What is the opposite of "immigrant"?
The opposite of "immigrant" is "emigrant".
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can an immigrant be a refugee?
Yes, a refugee is a type of immigrant, but they migrate specifically to escape danger.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
What is a first-generation immigrant?
A first-generation immigrant is a person who has moved to a new country from their country of origin.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
What is a migrant?
A migrant is a person who moves from one place to another, typically for work or other temporary purposes.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
What is the primary difference between a migrant and an immigrant?
A migrant may move temporarily, while an immigrant intends to settle permanently.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Can a migrant seek permanent residence?
Yes, some migrants may seek to become immigrants by choosing to reside permanently.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
How is "migrant" used in a sentence?
"The migrant birds return to this area every spring."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can a tourist be considered a migrant?
No, tourists are not considered migrants, as their purpose and duration of stay are different.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
What is the origin of the word "migrant"?
"Migrant" derives from the Latin word "migrare," which means to move from place to place.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
What is the adjective form related to "immigrant"?
The adjective form is "immigrant," as in "immigrant families".
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can "migrant" be an adjective?
Yes, "migrant" can also be used as an adjective, as in "migrant workers".
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
What is a “migrant worker”?
A migrant worker is a person who moves from one place to another to find employment.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Does a migrant always cross international borders?
No, migrants can move within their own country (internal migration) or across international borders.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Is an immigrant always a citizen of the new country?
No, an immigrant isn’t necessarily a citizen and may need to undergo a legal process to become one.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
What is an example of "immigrant" in a sentence?
"My grandmother was an immigrant from Italy."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
