Immigrate

/ˈɪmɪˌɡreɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To come to live in a foreign country permanently.

Many people choose to immigrate to the United States in search of better opportunities.

To enter and settle in a country or region to which one is not native.

She decided to immigrate to Canada after completing her studies.

To move to another country with the intention of living there.

After the war, a lot of families had to immigrate to escape the violence.

To come into a country as part of a larger movement of people, often for economic or political reasons.

The government has revised its policies regarding those who wish to immigrate.

From Latin 'immigrare', from 'in-' (in) + 'migrare' (to move).

illegal immigration

The act of coming to live in a country without official authorization.

immigrant visa

A visa that allows a foreign national to live permanently in the receiving country.

refugee status

Legal designation for those who are seeking safety and protection in another country.

migrant

A person who moves from one place to another, often for work or escape from hardship.

emigrate

To leave one's own country to settle in another.

naturalization

The process by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of a new country.

green carder

Someone who is in the process of getting a green card to immigrate.

illegal alien

A derogatory term for someone who immigrates without proper legal status.