Spanish word

migra

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmiɣɾa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounimmigration authorities

Example

¿Viste a la migra en la frontera?

Did you see the immigration authorities at the border?

Illustration for migra (immigration authorities)

More examples

Escóndete de la migra si no tienes papeles.

Hide from the immigration authorities if you don't have papers.

Core concept

Immigration officers in marked vehicles conducting a street check.

Common phrases

  • la migra

    the immigration authorities

  • tener miedo a la migra

    be afraid of the immigration authorities

  • esconderse de la migra

    hide from the immigration authorities

Similar words

inmigración: National immigration administration and procedures for admitting and settling foreigners.
aduana: Border customs service inspecting luggage, collecting duties, and clearing travelers.
patrulla fronteriza: Frontier patrol unit that surveils borders and apprehends people crossing illegally.

Definition in Spanish

Palabra coloquial usada en el español de Estados Unidos para nombrar colectivamente a los agentes o a la institución que vigila y aplica las normas de inmigración.

Word origin

Colloquial shortening of migración or inmigración that arises among U.S. Spanish speakers to name collectively the officers or the agency enforcing immigration rules.

Usage tips

  • Informal term with sometimes hostile connotations commonly heard in U.S. Spanish, and neutral alternatives include la oficina de inmigración or las autoridades migratorias.

Other meanings

  • immigration officenoun
  • immigration policenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word