foreinger

Foreigner is a term used to describe a person who is from a country different from the one where they are currently located or being discussed. The word is commonly applied to someone who is not a citizen or national of the local country, though legal definitions vary by jurisdiction and context. The term derives from the adjective foreign, which traces to Latin extrāneus via Old French, with the agent noun suffix -er forming "foreigner."

In contemporary usage, foreigners can be temporary visitors, students, immigrants, seasonal workers, or refugees. Legal systems distinguish between these statuses, often requiring visas, residence permits, or work authorizations. Access to certain rights and public services can differ for foreigners compared with citizens or permanent residents, and procedures for entry, stay, and termination of stay vary widely.

Social and political attitudes toward foreigners vary by culture and period. They can be framed in neutral or descriptive terms, but may also be associated with xenophobia, suspicion, or discrimination in some contexts. In many societies, foreigners contribute to the economy, culture, and diversity, while debates often focus on integration, language, security, and social cohesion.

Because the term can carry different connotations, alternatives are used depending on context, including non-citizen, immigrant, expatriate, visitor, or guest worker. Related legal terms include alien, which appears in some jurisdictions’ statutes to designate a person from another country.