Immigrants
Immigrants are people who move to a country other than their country of origin with the intention of settling there. They may pursue permanent residence, citizenship, work, study, or family reunification. Immigrants are distinguished from emigrants, who leave their homeland, and from refugees, who flee due to fear of persecution. Some immigrants enter legally through visas or sponsorship programs, while others do so irregularly.
Reasons for migration include economic opportunity, access to education and healthcare, family members joining relatives, and
Migration is a global phenomenon. Immigrant populations concentrate in major urban areas and in countries with
Immigrants contribute to labor markets, entrepreneurship, and cultural diversity; they can help offset aging populations. They
Governments regulate immigration through visa regimes, asylum procedures, and citizenship laws. International law recognizes the rights
The term immigrant thus encompasses a diverse group whose experiences are shaped by legal status, duration