Immigration vs. Emigration — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Immigration refers to entering and settling in a foreign country, while emigration denotes leaving one's country to settle elsewhere.
Difference Between Immigration and Emigration
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Immigration is the act of entering a country with the intent to permanently live or work there. It brings to mind images of Ellis Island or modern-day customs and border protection. Emigration, on the other hand, focuses on the departure aspect. When one talks about emigration, they're referencing the act of leaving one's homeland.
From a country's perspective, immigration involves welcoming new residents. Countries often have immigration policies and laws that dictate who can enter, for what purpose, and for how long. Emigration, conversely, is viewed from the vantage of a country losing or sending away its residents.
It's important to understand the directionality associated with both terms. Immigration always involves movement to a destination, emphasizing arrival. Emigration is about exit, emphasizing departure from a point of origin.
On a personal level, if one says they're considering immigration, it suggests they're looking to move into a new country. Should they mention emigration, it reveals a desire or plan to leave their current country.
Comparison Chart
Directionality
Inward movement to a country.
Outward movement from a country.
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Focus
Entry and settling in a new place.
Departure and leaving one's homeland.
Perspective
From the receiving country's view.
From the departing country's view.
Associated Policies
Policies governing who can enter a country.
Policies might restrict or track those leaving.
Emotional Connotations
Often tied to seeking opportunities or refuge.
Often tied to seeking better prospects or escaping strife
Compare with Definitions
Immigration
The act of moving to and settling in a foreign country.
The U.S. has a long history of immigration from diverse countries.
Emigration
Outward movement of people from a region or country.
The country's emigration levels rose due to political instability.
Immigration
Inward movement of people into a region or country.
Immigration has played a significant role in shaping the nation's culture.
Emigration
The relocation often driven by economic, political, or social factors.
Due to famine, many faced the tough decision of emigration.
Immigration
A process to legally enter and live in a foreign nation.
She completed the immigration paperwork to move to Canada.
Emigration
The act of leaving one's country to live in another.
Emigration rates spiked during the economic downturn.
Immigration
The relocation for reasons like work, study, or refuge.
Political unrest in his country pushed him to consider immigration.
Emigration
The exodus of natives from a particular place.
Emigration has led to a significant brain drain in some nations.
Immigration
The influx of non-natives to a particular place.
Cities like New York have seen vast immigration over the years.
Emigration
A process to legally depart one's homeland for another place.
Many considered emigration as a way to find better job opportunities.
Immigration
Immigration is the international movement of people to a destination country of which they are not natives or where they do not possess citizenship in order to settle as permanent residents or naturalized citizens. Commuters, tourists, and other short-term stays in a destination country do not fall under the definition of immigration or migration; seasonal labour immigration is sometimes included, however.
Emigration
Emigration is the act of leaving a resident country or place of residence with the intent to settle elsewhere (to permanently leave a country). Conversely, immigration describes the movement of people into one country from another (to permanently move to a country).
Immigration
The action or process of immigrating.
Emigration
To leave one country or region to settle in another. See Usage Note at migrate.
Immigration
The place where authorities check the documents of people entering a country.
Emigration
The act of emigrating; movement of a person or persons out of a country or national region, for the purpose of permanent relocation of residence.
Immigration
The act of immigrating; the passing or coming into a country of which one is not native born for the purpose of permanent residence.
Emigration
A body of emigrants; emigrants collectively.
The Irish emigration
Immigration
The process of going through immigration checks at a border checkpoint.
It took ages to get through immigration last time.
Emigration
The act of emigrating; removal from one country or state to another, for the purpose of residence, as from Europe to America, or, in America, from the Atlantic States to the Western.
Immigration
The act of immigrating; the passing or coming into a country for the purpose of permanent residence.
The immigrations of the Arabians into Europe.
Emigration
A body emigrants; emigrants collectively; as, the German emigration.
Immigration
Migration into a place (especially migration to a country of which you are not a native in order to settle there)
Emigration
Migration from a place (especially migration from your native country in order to settle in another)
Immigration
The body of immigrants arriving during a specified interval;
The increased immigration strengthened the colony
Common Curiosities
How do countries typically regulate immigration?
Countries have immigration policies, laws, and border controls to regulate entry.
Which term describes leaving one's homeland?
Emigration describes the act of leaving one's homeland.
Can someone be both an emigrant and an immigrant?
Yes, when someone leaves their home country (emigrant) and enters another (immigrant), they embody both roles.
Which term refers to entering a new country?
Immigration refers to entering a new country.
Do all countries track emigration?
Not all countries track emigration systematically, but some do for various reasons.
What factors drive immigration to a country?
Economic opportunities, education, family reunification, or seeking refuge are common reasons.
How do economic conditions influence emigration?
Poor economic conditions can spur emigration in search of better opportunities.
Why do people often confuse immigration and emigration?
Both terms deal with the movement of people across borders, leading to confusion.
Is emigration always voluntary?
No, emigration can be voluntary or forced due to reasons like conflict or persecution.
Why might a country encourage emigration?
To alleviate unemployment, political dissidence, or overpopulation, among other reasons.
Can political events influence immigration and emigration trends?
Yes, political instability or conflict can lead to increased emigration and seeking immigration elsewhere.
Is seeking asylum a form of immigration?
Yes, seeking asylum is a form of immigration where protection is sought in another country.
What's an example of a country known for its immigration history?
The U.S. is known for its rich history of immigration.
Is every immigrant also an expatriate?
Technically, yes. An immigrant in a new country is an expatriate from their home country.
Which term is related to the word "migrant"?
Both. A migrant can be someone who immigrates or emigrates.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
