Immigrant Meaning
Immigrant Definition & Usage
An individual who leaves their native country to settle in another country for a variety of reasons, including economic opportunity, political asylum, or family reunification.
Examples
- "After years of hardship, the immigrant finally found a job that paid well in the United States."
- "The city has seen a sharp increase in the number of immigrants from Southeast Asia over the past decade."
- "Many immigrants in the early 20th century were seeking better opportunities in America."
- "She felt the challenges of being an immigrant in a foreign country, but she was determined to succeed."
- "The government introduced new policies to support immigrants by providing access to housing and healthcare."
An individual who temporarily moves to another country but plans to return home later, often in the context of a temporary work contract or academic study.
Examples
- "He was an immigrant for a few years, working in London before returning to his hometown in India."
- "As a seasonal immigrant, she only spent part of the year in Canada working on farms."
- "The university had a large number of immigrant students from various countries."
- "The immigrant workers came to the country to fill labor shortages but were expected to leave after their contracts expired."
- "Many immigrants who come for education often stay in the host country after completing their studies."
Cultural Context
The term 'immigrant' has been heavily shaped by global migration trends, especially in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Immigrants can be classified into various categories, such as economic migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The socio-political context around immigration can influence how immigrants are viewed and treated in different societies.
A New Beginning
Story
A New Beginning
Ravi stood at the edge of the platform, watching as the train rolled into the station. His heart was pounding. He had just stepped off the plane from Delhi, and everything about New York felt overwhelming. He was an immigrant now, just like the thousands of others who had come before him in search of a better life. He didn’t know exactly what to expect, but he had heard the stories — stories of struggles, yes, but also of triumphs. His journey had not been easy. The decision to leave behind his family, his job, and his country had not been taken lightly. But when the opportunity arose to work in the United States, he knew he had to seize it. He had promised his parents that he would make a better life for himself and help them with their financial burdens. He was one of the millions of economic immigrants looking for a brighter future. Ravi’s first days in the city were filled with uncertainty. He found a small apartment in Queens, shared with two other immigrants, one from Mexico and the other from the Philippines. Each of them had their own story, their own dreams. Despite the cultural differences, they quickly formed a bond over their shared experiences. It was comforting to know that they were all here for the same reason — to build a life, to seek a better tomorrow. But being an immigrant was not without its challenges. Ravi had to adjust to a new way of life, a new language, and a new culture. He worked long hours as a busboy in a restaurant, constantly struggling to communicate with his colleagues and customers. His boss was patient, but the barriers were frustrating. One evening, after a long shift, Ravi met a fellow immigrant named Lena, who had been in New York for five years. She was from Poland and worked as a nurse. Lena had gone through many of the same struggles Ravi was now facing. Over coffee, she shared her experiences. 'The first year is the hardest,' she said. 'But you’ll find your place. Just don’t give up.' As weeks passed, Ravi began to feel more at home in the city. He was still an immigrant, but he was no longer a stranger. He had made friends, learned the ropes at his job, and slowly started to piece together his new life. One day, while walking home from work, he realized that he was no longer simply a man from India trying to survive in America. He was an immigrant, yes, but he was also building a future here. Ravi’s journey had just begun, but he was determined to succeed. He wasn’t just an immigrant now — he was part of a larger story, a story of people coming together from all corners of the globe to make a new home in a strange land.