Undocumented immigrant: meaning, definitions and examples

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undocumented immigrant

 

[ ˌʌnˈdɑːkjuˈmɛntɪd ˈɪmɪɡrənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal status

A person who enters a country without proper documentation or authorization, often in search of better opportunities or to escape persecution in their home country.

Synonyms

illegal immigrant, undocumented worker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undocumented immigrant

This seems to be a duplicate, see the context and examples provided for 'undocumented immigrant' above.

  • See examples above
illegal immigrant

This term has a negative connotation and is often used in legal or political contexts to emphasize the lack of legal status. It can be perceived as pejorative.

  • The government is debating policies regarding illegal immigrants
  • The news report focused on the challenges faced by illegal immigrants
undocumented worker

This phrase is often used when the primary focus is on the employment status rather than the person’s immigration status. It is used in discussions about labor, employment rights, and economic issues.

  • Many undocumented workers face exploitation and unfair wages
  • The new policy aims to protect undocumented workers from abuse

Examples of usage

  • Many undocumented immigrants come to this country in search of a better life.
  • Undocumented immigrants often face challenges in accessing healthcare and education services.
Context #2 | Noun

socio-political

An individual who resides in a country without the legal right to do so, often subject to deportation if discovered by authorities.

Synonyms

irregular migrant, unauthorized immigrant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undocumented immigrant

Used in more informal or neutral contexts to describe someone living in a country without official papers or legal permission.

  • Many undocumented immigrants seek better job opportunities in a new country.
  • The community organized a support group for undocumented immigrants.
unauthorized immigrant

Often used in official or legal contexts to describe someone who is in a country without legal permission. It can carry a slightly negative connotation.

  • The government is cracking down on unauthorized immigrants working without permits.
  • Laws concerning unauthorized immigrants have recently been debated in parliament.
irregular migrant

Preferred in more formal, academic, or policy discussions to describe people who enter a country without legal permission or overstay their visa.

  • The conference focused on the challenges faced by irregular migrants.
  • Policies need to address the humanitarian needs of irregular migrants.

Examples of usage

  • The issue of undocumented immigrants has been a divisive topic in political debates.
  • Undocumented immigrants contribute to the economy through their labor, despite facing uncertain legal status.

Translations

Translations of the word "undocumented immigrant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imigrante indocumentado

🇮🇳 अवैध अप्रवासी

🇩🇪 undokumentierter Einwanderer

🇮🇩 imigran tak berdokumen

🇺🇦 нелегальний іммігрант

🇵🇱 nieudokumentowany imigrant

🇯🇵 不法移民

🇫🇷 immigrant sans papiers

🇪🇸 inmigrante indocumentado

🇹🇷 belgesiz göçmen

🇰🇷 불법 이민자

🇸🇦 مهاجر غير موثق

🇨🇿 nezdokumentovaný imigrant

🇸🇰 nezdokumentovaný imigrant

🇨🇳 无证移民

🇸🇮 nedokumentiran priseljenec

🇮🇸 óskráður innflytjandi

🇰🇿 құжаты жоқ иммигрант

🇬🇪 დაუდგენელი ემიგრანტი

🇦🇿 sənədsiz immiqrant

🇲🇽 inmigrante indocumentado

Etymology

The term 'undocumented immigrant' gained prominence in the late 20th century in the United States to describe individuals who entered the country without proper legal documentation. As migration patterns shifted globally, the term became widely used to address the complex social, economic, and political issues surrounding immigration. The debate over undocumented immigrants continues to evolve, reflecting broader discussions on citizenship, human rights, and border security.