Immigration, a lexicon. You're a 'migrant' when you're very poor; 'immigrant' when you're not so poor; and 'expat' when you're rich.
Interpretation
This quote explores the disparity in perceptions of individuals based on their economic status within the context of migration.
Laila Lalami's quote highlights the arbitrary nature of labels assigned to people who move from one country to another based on their financial situation. It suggests that societal perceptions of migrants are heavily influenced by wealth, implying that one's economic status can define their identity—where poverty casts labels of 'migrant,' moderate wealth results in 'immigrant,' and affluence grants the status of 'expat.' This distinction underscores the biases that exist within the discourse surrounding migration.
In practice
During a speech about immigration reform, I referenced Laila Lalami's insight on economic labels.
He can make the dry parched ground of my soul to become a pool and my thirsty barren heart as springs of water. Yes he can make this habitation of dragons this heart which is so full of abominable lusts and fiery temptations to be a place of bounty and fruitfulness unto Himself
I say thank God for government waste. If government is doing bad things, it's only the waste that prevents the harm from being greater.
Men create the gods after their own images.
I am neither virgin nor priest enough to play with the inner life.
All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.
Ignorance of how we are shaped racially is the first sign of privilege. In other words. It is a privilege to ignore the consequences of race in America.
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