Expatriate

An expatriate (often shortened to expat) is a person who resides outside their native country. The term often refers to a professional or skilled worker who intends to return to their country of origin. However, it may also refer to retirees, artists and other individuals who have chosen to live outside their native country. Historically, the term also referred to exiles. The word expatriate comes from the Latin terms ex and patria . Dictionary definitions for the current meaning of the word include: Expatriate: 'A person who lives outside their native country' (Oxford), or 'living in a foreign land' (Webster's). These definitions contrast with those of other words with a similar meaning, such as: Migrant: 'A person who moves from one place to another in order to find work or better living conditions' (Oxford), or 'one that migrates: such as a: a person who moves regularly in order to find work especially in harvesting crops' (Webster's); or Immigrant 'A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country' (Oxford), or 'one that immigrates: such as a: a person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence (Webster's). The varying use of these terms for different groups of foreigners can be seen as implying nuances about wealth, intended length of stay, perceived motives for moving, nationality, and even race. This has caused controversy, with some commentators asserting that the traditional use of the word "expat" has had racist connotations. An older usage of the word expatriate referred to an exile. Alternatively, when used as a verbal noun, expatriation can mean the act of someone renouncing allegiance to their native country, as in the preamble to the United States Expatriation Act of 1868 which states: 'the right of expatriation is a natural and inherent right of all people, indispensable to the enjoyment of the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'.