Emigrate vs. Immigrate: Make Sure You Get It Right!

Last updated on September 13, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Emigrate and immigrate are related terms that both refer to the act of moving from one country to another, but they focus on different aspects of the move. Understanding the distinction between them is key to using each term correctly.

Emigrate vs. Immigrate: What Is the Difference?

Quick Tips:

  • Use “emigrate” when focusing on the act of leaving a country (think “exit” from a country).
  • Use “immigrate” when focusing on the act of entering a new country (think “in” to a country).
  • Remember, both terms refer to the same action of moving from one country to another, but from different perspectives (leaving vs. entering).
Emigrate vs. Immigrate
Emigrate vs. Immigrate – Created by 7ESL

Emigrate vs. Immigrate | Definition

What Does Emigrate Mean?

Emigrate refers to the act of leaving one’s country to live in another. When we use the term ’emigrate,’ we’re focusing on the departure aspect of migration. For example:

  • Arnold Schwarzenegger emigrated from Austria to the United States.

What Does Immigrate Mean?

Immigrate means to enter another country with the intention of living there permanently. It emphasizes the arrival in the new country. For instance:

  • Albert Einstein immigrated to the United States from Germany.

When to Use Emigrate vs. Immigrate

Which word is correct to use in the sentence, “Sophie emigrated/ immigrated from Slovenia with her family when she was only five years old”? Here, we are talking about Sophie leaving her home country to live somewhere else. Therefore, the correct word is emigrated.

What about the sentence, “Michael emigrated/ immigrated to the United States more than twenty years ago”? In this case, you are saying that Michael moved into the United States, so you should say that he immigrated.

These two words can easily describe the same person and mean pretty much the same thing if you use them in correct contexts. Returning to the example with Sophie, you can say that she emigrated from Slovenia but immigrated to Germany.

But how do you remember the difference? There is a simple trick that will help you. When you are emigrating, you are exiting the country where you lived previously. Both of these words start with an e. And when you are immigrating, you are going into a different country; both words start with an i. Keeping this simple rule in mind, you will never have problems figuring out whether someone is emigrating or immigrating.

Common Mistakes with “Emigrate” and “Immigrate”

Using “immigrate” when referring to leaving a country:

  • Incorrect: “He decided to immigrate from Mexico last year.”
  • Correct: “He decided to emigrate from Mexico last year.”
  • Explanation: “Emigrate” is the correct term when talking about leaving a country.

Using “emigrate” when referring to entering a country:

  • Incorrect: “They emigrated to the United States in 2015.”
  • Correct: “They immigrated to the United States in 2015.”
  • Explanation: “Immigrate” is the correct term when talking about arriving in a new country to live.

Confusing the direction of movement:

  • Incorrect: “My grandparents immigrated from Ireland.”
  • Correct: “My grandparents emigrated from Ireland.”
  • Explanation: “Emigrated” is correct because it emphasizes the departure from Ireland.

Misusing prepositions with “emigrate” and “immigrate”:

  • Incorrect: “She emigrated to Canada.”
  • Correct: “She immigrated to Canada.”
  • Correct: “She emigrated from the UK.”
  • Explanation: “Immigrate” is used with “to” (destination), while “emigrate” is used with “from” (origin).

Emigrate vs. Immigrate Examples

Examples of “Emigrate”

  • Her grandparents decided to emigrate from Italy to the United States in the 1920s.
  • Many scientists emigrate to countries that offer better research facilities and funding.
  • He plans to emigrate next year to pursue a job opportunity abroad.
  • The harsh economic conditions forced many to emigrate in search of a better life.
  • To emigrate from their homeland, they had to overcome numerous bureaucratic challenges.

Examples of “Immigrate”

  • After obtaining her visa, she was able to immigrate to Canada and start a new life.
  • The family immigrated to Australia and became permanent residents there.
  • They hoped to immigrate and find work that would support their family back home.
  • The country has seen an increase in the number of people who immigrate for educational purposes.
  • She is writing a book about her experiences since she immigrated from her birth country.

Practice and Application

Fill in the blank

Fill in the blanks with either “emigrate” or “immigrate” to correctly complete the sentences.

  1. Many people __________ from Ireland to the United States in the 19th century.
  2. She plans to __________ to Canada for better job opportunities.
  3. His grandparents __________ from Italy after World War II.
  4. The family decided to __________ to Australia in search of a warmer climate.
  5. After much thought, they chose to __________ from their homeland due to political unrest.
  6. The city has seen a large number of people __________ from various countries in recent years.
  7. Economic hardships forced many to __________ from their native countries.
  8. He hopes to __________ to the United States to join his family members who are already there.
  9. The history museum has an exhibit on those who __________ from Eastern Europe during the 20th century.
  10. To __________ to a new country can be a challenging and rewarding experience.

Answer and Explanation

  1. Answer: emigrated
    • Explanation: “Emigrated” is the past tense of “emigrate,” which means to leave one’s own country to settle permanently in another.
  2. Answer: immigrate
    • Explanation: “Immigrate” means to come to live permanently in a foreign country.
  3. Answer: emigrated
    • Explanation: “Emigrated” is the past tense of “emigrate,” indicating the act of leaving one’s country to live in another.
  4. Answer: immigrate
    • Explanation: “Immigrate” means to come to a new country to live there permanently.
  5. Answer: emigrate
    • Explanation: “Emigrate” means to leave one’s own country to live in another, especially for political reasons.
  6. Answer: immigrated
    • Explanation: “Immigrated” is the past participle of “immigrate,” meaning these people have come to live in the city from other countries.
  7. Answer: emigrate
    • Explanation: “Emigrate” means to leave one’s country or region to live elsewhere.
  8. Answer: immigrate
    • Explanation: “Immigrate” is to enter and settle in a country or region to which one is not native.
  9. Answer: emigrated
    • Explanation: “Emigrated” refers to the act of leaving one’s native country to live in another.
  10. Answer: immigrate
    • Explanation: “Immigrate” is to come into a new country to live there permanently.

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