Immigration Meaning and Definition
Immigration
Pronunciation
/immɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The movement of people into a country, including both legal and illegal forms of migration, with the intention of settling and making a new life.
Examples
- Thousands of immigrants arrive in the country every year.
- The government has implemented strict policies to control immigration.
Synonyms
- Migration
- Emigration
- Settlement
Antonyms
- Emigration
- Exile
Additional Information
Immigration is a complex and multifaceted issue, with both economic and social implications for the countries and individuals involved. It is often driven by a combination of factors, including political instability, economic opportunities, and family ties. Governments and international organizations have established a range of policies and programs aimed at managing and regulating immigration, including programs for refugee resettlement and temporary work permits.
Immigration can have both positive and negative impacts on society, including the potential for culture enrichment, economic growth, and social diversity, as well as concerns about language barriers, cultural clashes, and the potential for social and economic strain on community resources.
Etymology
The word “immigration” comes from the Latin words “in” meaning “into” and “migrare” meaning “to move”, and has been in use since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
In American English, “immigration” typically refers to the movement of people into the United States, while in British English, it can refer to immigration into the UK or other countries. When using the term, it’s important to be mindful of the context and potential connotations.
Cultural References
The issue of immigration has been featured prominently in many works of literature, film, and television, including works such as “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck and “The Goodbye Girl” by Neil Simon.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Expressions such as “immigrant community” and “immigration policy” are common ways to use the term in everyday language.
Related Words or Phrases
Related terms include “emigration”, “migration”, “refugee”, and “asylum seeker”, which all relate to the movement of people across borders.
Collocations
The term “immigration” is often used in collocations with words such as “policy”, “law”, “rules”, “procedure”, and “process”, to describe the administrative and legal frameworks surrounding immigration.
Frequency of Use
The frequency of use of the term “immigration” varies by context and region, but it remains a important and timely topic in many parts of the world.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the term include “immegeration” and “imigration”, which are easily avoided by doubling-checking one’s spelling.