Don’t call me an expat, I’m an immigrant

[Kung-fu Hillbilly]

By Vicky Mitchell
1 Aug 2019

We skipped queues, were offered posh coffee and any calls we made to the bank from Asia were routed to a special UK-based call centre.

Invisible algorithms got wind of our new status and our inboxes filled with VIP sports invites and relocation agents’ ads, boasting that their landlords only rented to expats. Exclusive social clubs urged us to join, in the interests of meeting ‘like-minded global citizens’.

However as anti-immigration rhetoric gained momentum worldwide, I noticed a massive gulf between the treatment of us ‘expats’ and that of those labelled ‘immigrants’. It felt uncomfortable, I felt like an entitled fraud.

My label didn’t come from a lack of permanency but from my Burgundy passport. I never met a Brit abroad who’d been called an immigrant. Equally, it’s rare for people who’ve moved to the UK (especially from non-English speaking countries) to be called expats. The label is a hangover from British imperialism.

full https://metro.co.uk/2019/08/01/my-label ... -10427722/

[Spigzy]

Sounds like she had a terrible time, the poor thing- and given the wrong label to boot. I don’t know how she survived.

[IraHayes]

Agreed... clearly a victim looking for a reason to feel guily.

[IraHayes]

Actually, Dave Chappelle got it right.. i wouldn't normally watch his stuff but his new Netflix special "Sticks and Stones " wasn't bad... funny in places, hilarious in others and meh in 1 or 2. Gave it a thumbs up simply because he refuses to bow to the PC woke police!

[SternAAlbifrons]

Second line in her story (link^^)

"For 15 years I’ve lived, on and off, in Asia, Italy and Australia."

That is not an "immigrant", foolish person.

[Phnom Poon]

My label didn’t come from a lack of permanency but from my Burgundy passport.

it came from the dictionary

[SternAAlbifrons]

Uh oh, i think we got a serial immigrant on our hands.
join the dots

italy oz "asia"... where will she strike next??

[fax]

Stupid article. Immigrants have citizenship. Expats don't.

[rozzieoz]

Stupid article. Immigrants have citizenship. Expats don't.

Incorrect. An immigrant is someone who makes a permanent move to another country. They are not yet citizens.

[Jcml19]

Expat vs immigrant... Semantics really...

There is a reason one goes whichever direction so all I have to say is enjoy the ride and have fun

For those who hate, t swift wise words "let the haters hate"... Can't believe I quoted swift hahaha