Why Are White People Expats When The Rest Of Us Are Immigrants?
Definitely, anyone working in another country is an expatriate, right? Well, it turns out that’s not the case — the term is only used for white individuals.
According to the English language, “immigrants” are people who move to another country to stay there for a long time or forever. On the flip side, “expats” (short for expatriates) are people who live in a foreign country for a bit but still stay connected to their home.
The big difference between these two terms is why and how long they move. Immigrants want to make the new place their home, becoming part of it. Expats, though, just want a temporary experience and plan to go back home eventually.
But here’s the twist — real life doesn’t always follow these clear lines!
I’ve seen both sides since I’ve been both an immigrant and an expat at different times. Something interesting happens: White people often use “expat” for themselves, while the rest of us usually get labeled as immigrants no matter what.
In the USA and Canada, places shaped by folks coming from around the world, you might expect fairness. But history shows us something else. Some people, especially those with European roots like the British, don’t always call themselves “immigrants.” Instead, they go with “expats,” even if they plan to stay a while.
This word choice sparks conversations about self-identity and how people view each other. People from European backgrounds, like the British, often lean towards “expat” because it separates them from the term “immigrant.” This suggests that some immigrants matter more than others.
To break it down simply: People from Africa, Arabs, and Asia are usually immigrants. But for those from Europe, especially the British, “expat” is more common. This makes it seem like they believe they’re a bit higher up. It’s like they’re saying only a certain group deserves the “immigrant” label.
But this isn’t fair. In fact, it keeps things unequal. Calling someone an “expat” can lead to better treatment — better jobs, more respect, and all that. But when someone is called an “immigrant,” they might face problems like being treated unfairly and having fewer chances.
We’ve got to change this. We need to understand that anyone leaving their home to live elsewhere is an immigrant. Separating people with different words just makes things worse. The way forward is to use words that include everyone.
When we treat everyone the same, no matter where they’re from, we create a fairer and more equal world. It’s a world where what you bring matters more than where you’re from. So, let’s choose words that unite us instead of pulling us apart.
