The terms immigrant vs migrant are often used interchangeably in news headlines and everyday conversation, but they mean different things. The distinction matters — especially when it affects a person’s legal protections, access to services, and how communities respond to newcomers.
Immigrant vs Migrant: Definitions Compared
An immigrant is someone who moves to a new country with the intention of settling there permanently. A migrant is a broader term that includes anyone who moves from one place to another, whether across international borders or within the same country, often temporarily.
| Factor | Immigrant | Migrant |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | Permanent relocation | Temporary or permanent |
| Border crossing | International | International or domestic |
| Legal status | Often has or seeks permanent residency | Varies widely |
| Examples | Green card holder, naturalized citizen | Seasonal farm worker, international student |
| Typical reason | Family, employment, safety | Work, education, climate, opportunity |
The United Nations defines a migrant as any person who changes their place of usual residence. Under that definition, all immigrants are migrants — but not all migrants are immigrants.
Why the Distinction Between Migrant and Immigrant Matters
These labels carry real consequences. In the United States, a lawful permanent resident (immigrant) has the right to live and work anywhere in the country, access certain federal benefits, and eventually apply for citizenship. A temporary migrant worker on an H-2A visa, by contrast, is authorized only for seasonal agricultural work and must return home when the visa expires.
The language we use also shapes public perception. Calling someone a “migrant” can sometimes minimize the permanence of their experience or imply they do not belong. Calling someone an “immigrant” acknowledges that they have chosen — or been forced — to make a new place their home.
For people who have fled persecution, the terms refugee and asylum seeker carry specific legal protections under international and U.S. law. Our guide on refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers breaks down those differences in detail.
Common Types of Migrants
The migrant category is broad. Here are some of the most common types:
- Economic migrants — Move to find better employment or business opportunities
- Seasonal workers — Travel for temporary agricultural or hospitality jobs
- Internal migrants — Move within their own country (e.g., rural to urban)
- International students — Study abroad on temporary visas
- Climate migrants — Displaced by environmental disasters, drought, or rising sea levels
- Forced migrants — Includes refugees and asylum seekers who flee violence or persecution
Not all migrants cross international borders. In the U.S., someone who relocates from a small town in Mississippi to Dallas for work is technically an internal migrant — though the word is rarely used that way in common speech.
Immigrants and Migrants in Dallas
Dallas-Fort Worth is home to one of the most diverse populations in the country. The metro area has large communities of immigrants from Mexico, India, Vietnam, Nigeria, and dozens of other countries. It is also one of the top U.S. cities for refugee resettlement, welcoming families from Myanmar, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and Ukraine.
Neighborhoods like Vickery Meadows reflect this diversity. Walk down any block and you might hear a dozen languages. Local resettlement agencies — the IRC, Catholic Charities, and Refugee Services of Texas — work to help newcomers find housing, employment, and stability. Learn more about refugee resettlement in Dallas.
Be Deliberate serves immigrant and refugee families across the DFW area by collecting gently used furniture and delivering it for free. With 490+ deliveries completed, the organization helps families turn empty apartments into homes — one couch, one bed, one kitchen table at a time.
How to Talk About Immigrants and Migrants Respectfully
Words matter. Here are a few guidelines:
- Use “immigrant” when referring to someone who has permanently relocated to a new country.
- Use “migrant” when referring to temporary or seasonal movement, or when the person’s intent is unclear.
- Avoid using “illegal” as a noun. A person is not “an illegal.” If legal status is relevant, say “undocumented immigrant.”
- When someone has fled persecution, use “refugee” or “asylum seeker” — these terms carry specific protections. See our breakdown of asylees and their rights.
Getting the language right is not about political correctness. It is about accuracy and treating people with dignity.
How You Can Help
Immigrants and refugees arriving in Dallas face the same challenge: building a home from scratch. Be Deliberate bridges that gap by providing essential furniture to families who have nothing.
- Donate Furniture — Free pickup across Dallas-Fort Worth
- Volunteer — Help deliver and set up furniture for refugee families
- Give Financially — Fund warehouse operations and welcome home kits