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An Immigrant, not an Ex-Pat

EDITOR, I have bitten my tongue for too long. Today I read a letter from Mr. John Maccinnes.

in Letters · 18 Nov 2021, 16:23 · 6 Comments

This is in the same vein as many so called “ex-pats” living in this beautiful country. We are not ex-pats, we are immigrants and, as such, should live with and abide by the laws and rules of this country. We should speak Portuguese. I do, by the way. We should pay the appropriate taxes. I have experienced superb health care and education for my son, who is also totally bilingual. We should also note that the wearing of masks and testing etc. in airports is ensuring that we do not have the level of Covid infection currently in the UK. If Mr. McInnes has a problem returning to our gorgeous country maybe he should stay at home.

Caroline Alford,

By email

Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this page are those of the author and not of The Portugal News.

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Comments

well said! and take heart there are many who think like you.

By Elaine from Other on 18 Nov 2021, 16:45

Excellent . Roberto Cavaleiro, Tomar

By Cavaleiro R. from Other on 19 Nov 2021, 11:13

As an immigrant from the US I heartily agree with the sentiment that we are "immigrants", not "expats". The term has always sounded elitist to me and as I embrace my new home country I will continue to learn to speak Portuguese, pay taxes, and not complain about the small foibles which are over-exaggerated and greatly overshadowed by the graciousness of the Portuguese people which I experience daily.

By Khadija Anderson from Other on 19 Nov 2021, 13:02

Caroline - hear! hear! from another immigrant.
Wherever we choose to live we should follow the golden rules: adapt, integrate and ideally assimilate.

By Annie from Algarve on 22 Nov 2021, 19:46

Ex-pat, immigrant: what difference does it make? It’s like the current crop of arguments over gender identity. Pointless and divisive. Just grow up.

By Ian from Lisbon on 23 Nov 2021, 12:59

The expatriate (expat) has been cultivated by the western developed countries with Anglo-Saxon heritage for anyone from similar background moving to or living in a country other than their native country (e.g. expats from the UK/US/Australia/Canada..... ). Sounds more sophisticated !
Those from other backgrounds and cultures are invariably referred to as foreign workers, foreign residents, migrants or immigrants. Why can't they also be called expats? There is the divisiveness.
Immigrant is neutral, the opposite of emigrant. Let's use those.

By Annie from Algarve on 23 Nov 2021, 18:27