What is the Difference Between Alien and Immigrant?

The terms "alien" and "immigrant" are often used in the context of non-native residents of a country. However, there are some subtle differences between these words:

• Alien: An alien is someone who is a citizen of a foreign country and is subject to host country laws regarding non-citizens, such as regulations related to travel, employment, education, and residence. An alien may be a temporary or permanent resident, and they may or may not have the right to work in the country or be legally allowed to live there for varying durations. However, an alien is not a citizen of the country, and thus, does not have the rights that citizenship confers.
• Immigrant: An immigrant is someone who has relocated to a country from another country. An immigrant may or may not be an alien. If the immigrant has applied for and received citizenship, then they are no longer considered an alien. An immigrant can be classified as a legal or undocumented immigrant, depending on whether they possess a valid visa or other immigration documentation.

In summary, an immigrant is a person who has moved to a new country, and they may or may not be considered an alien based on their citizenship status. An alien, on the other hand, is a non-citizen of the host country, subject to laws and regulations specific to non-citizens.

Comparative Table: Alien vs Immigrant

The difference between an alien and an immigrant is as follows:

In summary, an alien is a legal term used to describe someone who is a citizen of a foreign country and subject to host country laws regarding non-citizens, while an immigrant is a general term to describe someone who has moved to a new country from another country. An immigrant may or may not be an alien, depending on their citizenship and legal status in the new country.