Words and their meanings change over time. Our perception on others change as we and the world evolves, and thus also language we use.

Expat / Expatriate

Expat is the abbreviated version of Expatriate. Latin: Ex=out, Patria=land. Patria coming itself from Pater=father. The first modern form was first used in 14th century French as “Expatrier”, to be banished. Yes, kicked out of the country not allowed to return.

In English it was used since 1768 and as a noun since 1818, still someone who has been banished. By 1902 it’s meaning softened to include someone who chose him or herself to move abroad. This likely due to the many European colonists who in the period 1800-1900, left/escaped for new pastures because of a mix of religious persecution, (civil) wars and economic difficulties. Thus many were actually forced by circumstances, while many others went on their own fruition. A lot arrived in the USA where the meaning of Expatriate, Expat, changed over time.

Until about 20 years ago Expat related more to someone who was sent temporary abroad for work. These days, similar to early 1900 it is often meant to describe those who have sufficient means to temporary move themselves. Temporary as in a number of years. Most international companies and ministries of foreign affairs relocate their “Expat” staff every 4 or 5 years. While the original meaning was nothing to be proud of, these days many prefer to be called Expat.

Migrant

Migrants also have a modern Latin origin and was by 1670 used for describing animals moving from one place to another, as in migrating birds or bisons. By 1807 it was also used for people. American Indians migrated to their summer or winter hunting grounds. But also colonists (permanently) migrated to their new lands.

Emigrant

More interesting is the use of Emigrant, since 1754 meaning those who permanently leave a country or region to settle in another. Latin: Emigrantem/Emigrans/Emigrare, meaning to move away. In English used since 1794. These days the term may be associated with those who left others behind, abandoned them and the country. Your loyalty may be questioned by some, while others may jealously appreciate the adventure you took. Once you left you would arrive somewhere and were maybe seen as a pesky or welcomed Immigrant.

Immigrant

Immigrant was first used in American English in 1792. However, again with French Latin origins with the “Im” part now meaning ‘into’, or arriving ‘in’ the country/region. At one point in our colonialism history Immigrants were welcomed and invited, these days the meaning is often associated with social and international problems.

Positive or Negative?

Ever since the terms Migrant, Emigrant and Immigrant were used it got a both positive and negative associations depending on the circumstances. Today Australia still welcomes Immigrants (but not all), while the USA doesn’t (except a few).

Refugee

Because of different positive or negative associations with above terms the meanings are sometimes incorrectly mixed with those of Refugees.

The term Refugee was first used in English in the 1680’s. From Latin: Refuge and French Refugié, meaning somewhere to hide or find safety.

In English the word was first used for French Huguenots who fled persecution after the revocation (1685) of the Edict of Nantes. The word meant until 1914 someone seeking asylum. Then with the onset of WWI and the many civilians fleeing West it became more synonymous with someone fleeing home.

Today Refugee still formally means someone who in times of persecution, war, or (natural) calamities flees to a foreign country for safety (Well, at least trying to). Seeking asylum is still part of the process, although many refugees may find temporary refuge in camps and don’t always get the opportunity to ask for asylum.

As historically often the case the term Refugee can have a negative perception, a (incorrectly) perceived burden and threat on the host region/state. However, research has shown that refugees quickly arriving in the host country, quickly allowed to integrate and participate in the host community, often provide an economic net positive to the host country. The initial burden often relates to host countries’ restrictive approach.

What are you?

In times of worldwide economic difficulties when asked if you’re an Expat, Immigrant or Refugee, you better answer, “I am a guest in your beautiful country”. And perhaps you can say, “I am fresh blood and a citizen like you”.