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immigration

B1
Common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˌɪmɪɡrˈeɪʃən/

US

  • /ˌɪməˈɡreɪʃən/

Meanings

Noun

  1. the movement of people into a country to live there

  2. government procedures or officials controlling entry into a country

Beyond the definition

Immigration is not just about crossing borders; it is the story of people seeking new lives, opportunities, or safety in another country. Think of your ancestors: chances are, someone in your family history went through it. It can be voluntary, such as moving for a better job, or forced by hard events, such as war or persecution. Immigration shapes cultures, economies, and societies, creating rich mixes of traditions and views.

Imagine a young woman leaving her home to work as a nurse in a country across the ocean, or a family seeking safety after being driven from their homeland by conflict. These are stories of immigration: journeys filled with hope, hardship, and, in the end, a changed life in a new nation. The term also refers to the formal process of entering and living in a new country, often with legal permission.

Examples

  1. 1

    Government policy

    The government announced changes to its immigration policy.

  2. 2

    Visa program

    Immigration to Australia increased after the new visa program began.

    • Patternimmigration to + country

      people moving into that country; immigration from + country = people moving out of that country

  3. 3

    Local change

    The town has seen more immigration from neighboring countries in recent years.

  4. 4

    Election issue

    Immigration was one of the biggest issues in the election campaign.

More examples
  1. 5

    Legal advice

    She spoke to an immigration lawyer before submitting her visa application.

  2. 6

    Airport checkpoint

    We stood in line at immigration for almost an hour after our flight landed.

    • Phraseat immigration

      at the airport checkpoint where officials check passports and visas

  3. 7

    Labor shortages

    Some industries depend on immigration to fill labor shortages.

  4. 8

    Research report

    The report examines how immigration has changed the country's economy and culture.

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • immigration policy
  • immigration law
  • immigration status
  • illegal immigration

Word family

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Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • immigrationnoun

Forms

  • immigrationspluralnoun