repatriation

noun

re·pa·tri·a·tion | \ (ˌ)rē-ˌpā-trē-ˈā-shən

, -ˌpa-\

plural repatriations

Definition of repatriation

: the act or process of restoring or returning someone or something to the country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship : the act of repatriating or the state of being repatriated While officials privately acknowledge there is scant legal basis for repatriation, their public statements suggest that they would use lawsuits, diplomatic pressure and shame to bring home looted objects—not unlike Italy, Greece and Egypt, which have sought, with some success, to recover antiquities in European and American museums.— Andrew Jacobs They say they have that right under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which requires that human remains and artifacts be returned to Indian tribes that can show a cultural link.— Timothy Egan This left him an illegal immigrant in Hong Kong, subject to arrest and repatriation at any time.— Nicholas D. Kristof