The term 'migrant' is at the heart of many controversies in the public debate, the media, and among experts. Despite the lack of a legal definition, a migrant should be understood as referring to a person who has crossed an international border to live in a state other than that of his or her nationality. This inclusive meaning has the merit of being neutral and factual, without prejudice to the broad variety of migration patterns, legal regimes, individual experiences, and aspirations that exist. It better reflects, in turn, both the unity and the diversity of the law applicable to persons on the move.