Why Do People From High-Income Countries Call Themselves “Expats” Even When They Are Immigrants?
When individuals from high-income countries move abroad, they often refer to themselves as “expats.” This term, commonly used by people from the global North, contrasts sharply with the label “immigrant,” frequently assigned to those from lower-income countries. This discrepancy raises important questions about the motivations and implications behind these labels.
Understanding the Terms: Immigrant vs. Expatriate
The term “expat” is short for “expatriate,” which technically differs from “immigrant.” An immigrant is someone who comes to a country to take up permanent residence. An expatriate, on the other hand, is a person who lives in a foreign country, often intending to return to their country of origin. This distinction of permanence is key: immigrants are seen as intending to stay permanently, while expatriates are viewed as temporary residents.
A more expansive definition from Wikipedia states: “The term often refers to a professional, skilled worker, or student who intends to return to their country of origin after completing their purpose for residency in another country.” Common examples include diplomats and those with project-based contracts.
Real-World Observations and Perceptions
In practice, many so-called “expats” have no intention of returning to their home countries. For instance, professionals moving to the UK for work may initially have temporary visas but often aim to settle permanently. This raises the question: why do people from high-income countries prefer the term “expat” even when their situations align more with the traditional definition of an immigrant?
The answer may lie in societal perceptions and implicit biases. The term “expat” conjures images of wealth and comfort, while “immigrant” often evokes notions of struggle and limited resources. This distinction is evident in visual representations: a simple search for images of “expatriates” versus “immigrants” reveals starkly different portrayals, with expats depicted in luxurious settings and immigrants shown in more precarious conditions.
The Legal and Social Disconnect
The technical distinctions in visa categories further complicate these labels. Immigrant visas lead to permanent residency, while non-immigrant visas do not. However, in societal discourse, “immigrant” is used universally to label individuals with temporary statuses or uncertain intentions to stay permanently. For example, agricultural workers on non-immigrant visas in the UK are still commonly referred to as immigrants, even though they might technically be expatriates.
The Role of Privilege and Avoidance of Assumptions
It is not surprising that individuals from high-income countries might prefer the term “expat” to distance themselves from the assumptions associated with being an immigrant. This preference may reflect a desire to create distinctions between those who migrate by choice and those who migrate out of necessity. Digital nomads and skilled professionals often move voluntarily and benefit from favourable visa policies and currency exchanges. In contrast, those fleeing disasters or seeking asylum face numerous hardships and uncertainties.
Towards Inclusive and Fair Terminology
As global migration becomes more common, it is crucial to reconsider the language used to describe people on the move. The distinctions between “expats” and “immigrants” are often arbitrary and rooted in privilege and bias. By using more inclusive and fair terminology, a more equitable understanding of migration can be fostered, challenging the stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination.
Embracing terms that reflect the shared experiences of all migrants, regardless of their origin or economic status, acknowledges the humanity and dignity of everyone seeking a better life in a new land. This shift in language can help build a more inclusive and fair society, where all individuals are respected and valued for their contributions.