Illegal alien: meaning, definitions and examples
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illegal alien
[ ɪˈliːɡ(ə)l ˈeɪliən ]
immigration
A foreign national who is living in a country without the legal right to reside there.
Synonyms
illegal immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, undocumented immigrant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| illegal alien |
This term is considered outdated and can be offensive. It refers to a foreign national who resides in a country unlawfully.
|
| undocumented immigrant |
This term is widely regarded as the most neutral and respectful. It implies that the person lacks the necessary legal documents without the negative connotation of illegality.
|
| illegal immigrant |
This term is also considered somewhat harsh and is primarily used in legal contexts to describe someone living in a country without legal permission.
|
| unauthorized immigrant |
This is a more neutral and modern way to describe someone living in a country without legal permission. It is commonly used in formal reports and discussions.
|
Examples of usage
- Many illegal aliens come to the United States in search of better opportunities.
- Illegal aliens often face challenges in accessing healthcare and other essential services.
politics
A term used to describe individuals who enter a country without legal authorization, often in the context of debates around immigration policy.
Examples of usage
- The issue of illegal aliens has been a major point of contention in political discussions.
- Some politicians advocate for stricter measures to prevent illegal aliens from entering the country.
Translations
Translations of the word "illegal alien" in other languages:
🇵🇹 imigrante ilegal
🇮🇳 अवैध प्रवासी
🇩🇪 illegaler Einwanderer
🇮🇩 imigran ilegal
🇺🇦 нелегальний мігрант
🇵🇱 nielegalny imigrant
🇯🇵 不法移民
🇫🇷 immigré illégal
🇪🇸 inmigrante ilegal
🇹🇷 yasa dışı göçmen
🇰🇷 불법 이민자
🇸🇦 مهاجر غير شرعي
🇨🇿 nelegální přistěhovalec
🇸🇰 nelegálny prisťahovalec
🇨🇳 非法移民
🇸🇮 nezakonit priseljenec
🇮🇸 ólöglegur innflytjandi
🇰🇿 заңсыз иммигрант
🇬🇪 უკანონო მიგრანტი
🇦🇿 qanunsuz miqrant
🇲🇽 inmigrante ilegal
Etymology
The term 'illegal alien' has been used in the United States since the 1930s to refer to foreign nationals who enter the country without legal authorization. It has been a controversial term, with some arguing that it is dehumanizing and others defending its use as an accurate descriptor of legal status. The debate around the term reflects broader discussions about immigration policy and the treatment of immigrants.