In the context of remote work, an immigrant is a person who moves to a different country in order to live and work there. This can include digital nomads and digital expats. Immigrants are typically employees of a company that has sent them to work in another country for a specific period of time. In contrast, a non-immigrant is a person who moves to a different country temporarily, for example, for tourism, study, or business.
When it comes to immigration policies, immigrants are subject to different rules and regulations than non-immigrants, who may not need a work visa or permanent residency in order to live and work in the country. The use of the term "expat" versus "immigrant" can be sensitive and often relates to issues of privilege and power. The term "expat" is commonly used to refer to individuals who are working or living outside their home country but who have a higher socioeconomic status and privilege. This term is often associated with white Westerners who move to other countries for work or personal reasons. In contrast, the term "immigrant" is frequently used to refer to individuals who move to another country in search of a better life, often for economic or political reasons.
Immigrants may face significant challenges and obstacles, such as language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to resources and services. While maintaining sensitivity around themes of privilege, class, and colonialism, we suggest that the changing landscape of immigration and global mobility could help differentiate the terms based on intent and official immigration status. "Expats" might most correctly refer to those who move abroad temporarily or indefinitely, while "immigrant" would refer to those who move abroad with the intent of permanently residing in their new country. Immigration channels can also meaningfully differentiate between these populations, as temporary residencies and non-immigrant visas would most likely classify someone as an expat, while permanent residency or citizenship would classify someone as an immigrant.
