It can feel like a puzzle when words sound and look so similar. This article will explain when to use migrant vs immigrant vs emigrate and how they are different.
Immigrate
Let’s start with immigrate. This describes the action of moving from your home country to enter and settle in a new country to live permanently. Think of it as ‘coming to’ Australia. Here are some examples,
- Yang’s parents immigrated to Australia in 1997. (verb + to)
- Australia’s immigration policy focuses on bringing skilled workers to the country. (noun-action + to)
- Lan is an immigrant looking for a fresh start and opportunities for her children. (noun-person)
Emigrate
To emigrate describes moving out of your home country to live in another country. When you use it in a sentence, think about it as ‘leaving from’ a country. Examples are:
- Maria decided to emigrate from Thailand for a new job. (verb + from)
- Emigration from India to Australia has increased in recent years. (noun-action + from)
- José is an emigrant from the Philippines. (noun-person + from)
Migrate
To migrate is a general term about the movement of people or animals within an area or between countries. Think of it as moving from A to B, which can be temporary or permanent. For example,
- We migrated to Australia for university. (verb)
- Each year, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Australia’s warm waters to give birth to their young. (verb)
- The migration of skilled workers has increased. (noun-action)
- Chinese migrants often share their culture with their neighbours. (noun-person)
What’s Next?
Now practise using the words in their verb forms in sentences about yourself:
I immigrated to _____ (city) in _____ (year).
Example: I immigrated to Toowoomba, a regional city in Australia in 2012. Before that, I lived in South Sudan.
I decided to emigrate from _____ (country) because _____ (reason).
Example: I decided to emigrate from China because I wanted to live in Australia and get a job in engineering.
Some people from _____ (country) migrate to Australia for _____ (reason).
Example: Some people from Greece migrate to Australia for better job opportunities.
Finally, while you can use the words in their noun forms to describe yourself as an immigrant, emigrant, or migrant, you can also just use the word Australian.
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