The word 'expat' suggest wealth, such as the other poster who mentions retired brits living in Spain, retired and relaxing. 'immigrant' has a less benign sound. It suggests someone who really needs to be in a new and safe country, in order to prosper or be safe? That's just my take on it.
snowlynx: The word 'expat' suggest wealth, such as the other poster who mentions retired brits living in Spain, retired and relaxing. 'immigrant' has a less benign sound. It suggests someone who really needs to be in a new and safe country, in order to prosper or be safe? That's just my take on it.
I'm inclined to agree with you. In this day and age I just wish people had more understanding of immigrants instead of classing them all as "invaders"
We live in a diverse society nowadays and we should embrace all people that are prepared to work and better themselves.
I think immigrants move to another country for permanent residency and expat are people who move from country to country and keep moving around, I believe. I could be wrong though.
snowlynx: The word 'expat' suggest wealth, such as the other poster who mentions retired brits living in Spain, retired and relaxing. 'immigrant' has a less benign sound. It suggests someone who really needs to be in a new and safe country, in order to prosper or be safe? That's just my take on it.
When I lived in UK and worked in education (not wealthy but not either needing to be in a new and safe country) I was considered an immigrant by the immigration 'department', yet many of the Brits I see in Spain, whether employed or retired consider themselves 'expat' ... Interesting concept ...
germanspitz: I'm inclined to agree with you. In this day and age I just wish people had more understanding of immigrants instead of classing them all as "invaders"
We live in a diverse society nowadays and we should embrace all people that are prepared to work and better themselves.
Some displaced people don't need to 'better themselves' ... they're already doctors or teachers or nurses or any other profession ...
Friskyone: I think immigrants move to another country for permanent residency and expat are people who move from country to country and keep moving around, I believe. I could be wrong though.
Selenite: When I lived in UK and worked in education (not wealthy but not either needing to be in a new and safe country) I was considered an immigrant by the immigration 'department', yet many of the Brits I see in Spain, whether employed or retired consider themselves 'expat' ... Interesting concept ...
Many of them work in Gib and cross over every day. Even as an expat you were supposed to register and have a Residencia . I spent a lot of time backwards and forwards to Cartagena with Brits who couldn't be bothered to learn the language wanting to register at Seguridad Social. Many had feet in both camps and even some claiming benefits from the UK whilst living in Spain.
I find it incredible that the British complain about immigrants in this country yet are happy to be "immigrants" abroad.
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