immigration

im-mi-gra-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

1.
The action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country.
2.
The process or system of entering a country for the purpose of permanent residence.
3.
A government department dealing with immigrants and immigration procedures.

•
immigration policy — government rules regarding who may enter and settle in a country
•
immigration reform — changes to immigration laws and procedures
•
immigration officer — official who processes immigrants at borders

From Latin immigratio ("a moving in"), from immigrare ("to move into"). Entered English in the early 17th century.