Legal Definitions - immigrant

Immigrant

An immigrant is an individual who moves from their country of origin to a different country with the intention of establishing permanent residence there. This move signifies a commitment to making the new country their long-term home, distinguishing them from temporary visitors or those on short-term visas.

Until an immigrant successfully completes the process of becoming a citizen of their new country, they are often referred to as an "alien immigrant" or a "resident alien," indicating their non-citizen status despite their permanent residency.

Here are some examples:

• Example 1: A skilled architect from Brazil accepts a job offer in Australia and obtains a permanent residency visa. She sells her property in Brazil, moves her family, and enrolls her children in Australian schools, intending to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

  Explanation: This architect is an immigrant because she has moved to Australia with the clear intention of settling there permanently, evidenced by her permanent visa, relocation of her family, and long-term plans for work and education.

• Example 2: A family fleeing civil conflict in their home country is granted refugee status in Sweden. After several years, they are approved for permanent residency and begin the process of integrating into Swedish society, learning the language, and establishing a new life with no plans to return to their country of origin.

  Explanation: Despite their initial arrival as refugees, once they are granted permanent residency and demonstrate an intent to make Sweden their long-term home, they are considered immigrants.

• Example 3: A young professional from South Korea marries a U.S. citizen and, after obtaining a green card, moves to the United States to live with their spouse. They purchase a home, secure employment, and begin building a life together, intending to reside permanently in the U.S.

  Explanation: This individual is an immigrant because they have moved to the United States with the explicit purpose of establishing a permanent life and residence with their spouse, supported by their green card status.