Immigrant is the one who immigrates, i.e, one who enters a foreign country, with the purpose of living or working. The immigrant is seen from the perspective of the country that welcomes him, he is the individual who came from abroad.
For example: Brazil has received a large number of immigrants from Haiti, who are seeking housing and employment.
The expression “immigrant” is inappropriate to refer to internal or inter-regional migratory movements, that is, those carried out within the same political borders.
To legally remain within the chosen territory, the immigrant must follow the "immigration laws" established in each country.
Immigration and Emigration
Immigration and emigration are population movements within the international sphere. Immigration means the entry of individuals or groups, considered from the point of view of the host country.
The term immigration applies only to people who intend to take up permanent residence in the adoptive country, participating in social life.
Emigration is the exodus of individuals or groups, considered from the point of view of the country of origin. In the sociological scope, emigration consists in the voluntary abandonment of one's country of origin, for political, economic, religious reasons, etc.
For example: The large number of emigrants leaving Haiti is a consequence of political instability, the declining economy and the great earthquake that devastated the country.
Immigrants in Brazil
The phenomenon of immigration in Brazil began to be more significant in 1808, with the arrival of the royal family and the opening of ports. Later, in 1850, the number of immigrants rose when the slave trade ceased. Most of this coming of immigrants to the country was linked to the need for labor for the coffee plantation and was an initiative of the State or private individuals, mainly farmers.
The main groups of immigrants who arrived in Brazil during this period were the Portuguese, Italians, Spaniards, Japanese, Germans, Slavs and Syrian-Lebanese.
In the year of 1934, immigration decreased drastically, mainly due to the Constitution, which established restrictive measures for the arrival of foreigners.