Legal Definitions - emigré

An emigré (pronounced em-ih-GRAY) is an individual who has been compelled to leave their home country, often permanently, due to political reasons. This typically involves fleeing political persecution, conflict, or significant changes in government that make it unsafe or impossible for them to remain.

Here are some examples to illustrate this term:

• Example 1: During a period of intense political unrest and a subsequent military coup in their home country, a well-known university professor, who had publicly advocated for democratic reforms, received credible threats to their safety. Fearing arrest or worse under the new authoritarian regime, they made the difficult decision to leave the country and seek refuge abroad.

  Explanation: This professor is an emigré because they were forced to depart their country specifically due to political circumstances – their advocacy for reform and the threats posed by the new political power.

• Example 2: In a nation experiencing a civil war, a prominent business leader who had openly supported the losing political faction found their assets seized and faced accusations of treason by the victorious government. To avoid imprisonment and ensure their family's safety, they arranged to leave the country discreetly and establish a new life elsewhere.

  Explanation: This business leader qualifies as an emigré because their departure was a direct consequence of the political conflict and the subsequent persecution by the new ruling power due to their political affiliations.

• Example 3: Following a revolution that overthrew a long-standing monarchy, many members of the former royal court and aristocracy, whose positions and wealth were intrinsically linked to the old political system, chose to leave the country. They feared retribution, loss of status, or even violence from the new revolutionary government and its supporters.

  Explanation: These individuals are emigrés because their decision to leave was driven by the radical political change in their country and the perceived dangers or impossibility of remaining under the new political order.