The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

'Emigr'e \['E]`mi`gr['e]"\, n. [F., emigrant.]
   1. One of the natives of France who were opposed to the first
      Revolution, and who left their country in consequence.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Hence: Any emigrant, especially one who had fled his/her
      native land due to political conditions.
      [PJC]