When a person from Sweden comes to work in America, he or she is called an expat. Right?
When a person from Zambia comes to work in America, he or she is called an immigrant. Right?
An immigrant being: 'Someone who moves to another country to live there permanently'.
An expat being: 'Someone who doesn't live in his or her native country'.
Yes, 'living in some other country than your own' is the same as 'not living in your own country'.
The actual difference between an expat and an immigrant is really non-existent but simply a question of semantics.
Let me present you with an interesting question:
What if someone from Sweden, coming to work in America, has a dark skincolour? Is that person now an expat or an immigrant?
I wrote about this problem before in 2015 (click) and have presented the question to many people since.
But sofar have not been offered an explanation. Except for the obvious answer: the difference solely lies in the colour of the skin so it's simply a racist thing.
'Yeah, but immigrants refuse to learn the language of their new homeland whereas expats are quickly fully submerged in the language and habits of their new home, so we prefer expats over immigrants!'
Nice thought. But still racist. As a matter of fact: it's exactly the other way around: it's expats (click. Short for 'expatriate') who cling to the culture and language of the country of originin while most immigrants (click) make an effort for the long stay.
I found it hard to find accurate information because the US tax system is *ahem* not the most transparent in the world but it seems that non-residents (i.e. 'expats' and people living abroad bur making their money in the US) pay less income tax than American residents. While immigrants are required to pay all their taxes ánd the US government made it harder for them than for others to file a tax report.
So let me ask again: can someone explain to me the actual difference between 'immigrants' and 'expats' and why do expats pay less taxes? Try to answer without using the term 'skin colour'. Good luck!
And oh, if you could translate the US taxpayer system so it doesn't acquire a law degree to understand, that would be highly appreciated.
Because this lady explains it in 'simple' terms but I'm still a bit confused. It's almost as if the US government only wants people who can afford expensive lawyers to be able to use all the legal loopholes in their tax system.
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