migrant
Last updatedWhat to know
“Migrant” is a general term for anyone who moves within or outside of their country of residence, either temporarily or permanently. Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are all subcategories of migrants.
The term can also have different connotations depending on how it’s used: European coverage, for instance, often uses “migrant” as a broad category that includes both refugees and economic migrants. Others argue that “migrant” is too often used in contexts where “refugee” is more appropriate.
Being specific about the situation in question and someone’s motivation for the move can help bring clarity to a story. For example, referring to people who are fleeing war or persecution as “refugees” will highlight the necessity of their move in a way that recognizes their situation.
You might also want to take into consideration if the people you are writing about have a stated preference for another term.
Additional resources
- Key Migration Terms (International Organization for Migration)
- UNHCR viewpoint: ‘Refugee’ or ‘migrant’ – Which is right? (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
Summary
“Migrant” is an umbrella term for anyone who moves within or outside of their country of residence. Being specific about the situation in question and someone’s motivation for the move can help bring clarity to a story. For example, referring to people who are fleeing war or persecution as “refugees” will highlight the necessity of their move in a way that recognizes their situation.