The words we use to describe ourselves carry weight, especially when moving abroad. For Americans in Spain, one of the most common, (and heated) questions is: Are we immigrants or expats?
A recent debate in an online community of Americans in Spain revealed just how divisive this topic can be. What started as an innocent question quickly turned into a spirited discussion involving culture, class, history, and even humor. This article explores the key arguments that surfaced, highlighting different perspectives, and examining what the terms immigrant and expat really mean.
Why the Question Matters
The original question was simple: “Why do Americans in Spain call themselves expats instead of immigrants? Back home we would be called immigrants.”
It may sound like semantics, but the responses showed that the issue is tied to identity, privilege, and how people want to be perceived in their new country. Some rolled their eyes at the question, noting that it comes up regularly. Others said it was “a simple question setting off people, which speaks volumes.”
So why does this matter so much? Let’s look at the main perspectives.
Perspective 1: Expats Are Temporary, Immigrants Are Permanent
One of the most common explanations centers on intent and permanence.
Some argued that:
- “Immigrants leave their country for good. Expats go back and forth and keep strong ties with their passport country.”
- “An immigrant is someone who moves permanently to another country, an expat is someone who moves abroad on a non-permanent basis.”
Others added nuance, saying that sometimes expats eventually stay forever and become immigrants, but the key difference is the expectation at the beginning.
This view reflects a traditional dictionary distinction: immigrants are permanent, expats are temporary. However, many in the debate challenged whether this line is as clear in practice.
Perspective 2: It’s About Audience and Context
Several contributors noted that the term used often depends on who is being spoken to.
One person explained:
- “If I am speaking to an American back home, I’ll call myself an expat. But if I’m talking to a Spaniard, I’ll call myself an immigrant.”
Another admitted:
- “Language is flexible that way. For ease of communication, people just say expat, even though technically they might be immigrants.”
This suggests that the words are less about strict definitions and more about how people want to frame their experience depending on the situation.
Perspective 3: Expat as a Privileged Term
Perhaps the most contentious argument revolved around class and privilege.
Some saw “expat” as a way to elevate status:
- “It’s a wealthy, usually white immigrant looking to differentiate themselves from those who don’t have the same privileges.”
- “Expat is a self-definition by an immigrant from a rich country, like when Americans abroad call locals ‘foreigners.’”
Another voice tied this directly to U.S. culture:
- “The word expat is used because many Americans don’t want to be associated with the word immigrant, which they see as negative.”
In this sense, “expat” isn’t just about time or intention, but a label chosen to separate oneself from the stigmas attached to immigrants, especially poorer or undocumented ones.
Perspective 4: Official Definitions
When emotions ran high, some members turned to formal definitions for clarity.
From Merriam-Webster:
- Immigrant: “A person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence.”
- Expatriate: “A person who lives in a foreign country.”
According to Spain’s official statistics office (INE):
- Immigrant: A person born abroad who resides in Spain for at least one year.
This means that by Spanish standards, Americans living in Spain on long-term visas are counted as immigrants—regardless of whether they prefer to call themselves expats.
Perspective 5: Historical and Colonial Connotations
Some argued that “expat” carries historical baggage tied to colonialism.
One comment stated:
- “Expat is a term redolent of British Empire and all the slavery, genocide and cultural theft associated with it.”
While others pushed back against such sweeping generalizations, this viewpoint highlights that the language of migration has roots in power dynamics and history.
Perspective 6: Humor and Shrugging It Off
Not all contributions were serious. Some injected humor into the debate:
- “Expats are just people named Pat who changed their names when they moved abroad.”
- “We were all named Pat before we moved here. Now we’re ex-Pats.”
Others simply dismissed the issue:
- “Who cares what it’s called, we are here.”
For them, the terminology doesn’t matter nearly as much as the lived reality of adapting to life in Spain.
Perspective 7: Hybrid Identities
A few admitted that they don’t fit neatly into one box.
One said:
- “I’m an immigrant who left the U.S. decades ago, but also an expat since I split my time between Spain and another country. So I’m an immigrant expat.”
This hybrid approach acknowledges that people’s situations and identities can evolve over time, making strict definitions feel inadequate.
Perspective 8: The Emotional Weight of Words
Ultimately, what came through most clearly was the emotional weight behind the terms.
For some, “immigrant” feels negative, associated with struggle and discrimination. For others, avoiding the word is a way of distancing from less privileged migrants. Still others insist that if everyone has to fill out “immigration forms,” then everyone is an immigrant, no exceptions.
One member summarized it well:
- “People want to identify as expats to differentiate themselves from poor immigrants. But in the end, they are immigrants regardless of race or class. Everyone fills out the same immigration documents.”
What This Debate Teaches Us
This lively conversation reveals a lot about identity, privilege, and cultural perception:
- Definitions differ – Dictionaries, governments, and individuals all have slightly different interpretations.
- Privilege matters – “Expat” often signals wealth and Western background, while “immigrant” is burdened with stereotypes.
- Context shapes usage – Some switch between terms depending on who they’re speaking to.
- Reality vs perception – Legally, long-term foreign residents in Spain are immigrants, even if they self-identify differently.
- Language evolves – As one participant said, “What’s in a name anyway?”
Conclusion
The immigrant vs expat debate isn’t just about semantics; it’s about identity, history, and how people position themselves in society. While some see expat as temporary and immigrant as permanent, others point to privilege, colonial history, or simply ease of communication.
At the end of the day, whether you call yourself an immigrant, expat, or something else entirely, what matters most is how you integrate, respect your host country, and build your life there.
If you’re considering your own move to Spain, don’t miss Spainguru’s free Move to Spain webinar. It’s designed to give you everything you need to plan your relocation with confidence—covering visas like the Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad, financial preparation (banking, taxes, insurance), housing tips for renting or buying, and the key legal steps after arrival. Plus, you’ll hear real-life insights in a live Q&A with successful expats.
Secure your spot here 👉 Spainguru Webinars
Disclaimer: This article is based on a discussion in a Facebook group for Americans in Spain. The views quoted reflect the opinions of individual members and not an official or legal position.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between an immigrant and an expat?
An immigrant is generally defined as someone who moves permanently to another country, while an expat is someone who lives abroad temporarily, often for work or personal reasons.
Q2: Are Americans in Spain immigrants or expats?
Legally, Americans living in Spain for more than a year are considered immigrants under Spain’s national statistics. However, many Americans prefer to call themselves expats.
Q3: Why do some people prefer the term expat?
Some choose “expat” because it feels less permanent, while others see it as a way to avoid the negative connotations sometimes associated with the word “immigrant.”
Q4: Does being an expat mean you have more money?
Not necessarily, though “expat” is often linked with wealth and privilege. In reality, both immigrants and expats can be rich or poor.
Q5: What does Spanish law say about immigrants?
According to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), an immigrant is someone born abroad who has lived or intends to live in Spain for at least one year.
Q6: Can someone be both an immigrant and an expat?
Yes. Some people split their lives between countries or move temporarily but end up staying permanently, blurring the line between immigrant and expat.
Q7: Why does this debate cause so much tension?
Because words carry emotional and cultural baggage. “Immigrant” is sometimes stigmatized, while “expat” can be seen as privileged. The debate reflects deeper issues of identity and perception.
