The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently tweeted that the term “undocumented immigrant” serves as a political equivalent to the pronoun “them.” They also stated they weren’t interested in using the more progressive linguistic terms favored by some on the left.
The DHS clarified that “alien” is a precise legal term that corresponds to what the media often describes as illegal immigration. They emphasized that “illegal” is the appropriate way to label violations of immigration law.
The statement included an analogy, suggesting that calling someone an “undocumented guest” in the context of a robbery would be absurd.
Trump officials criticized the ACLU for likening ICE facilities to Japanese internment camps, calling the comparison “disturbing” and “lazy.”
Federal law repeatedly uses terms like “illegal alien” or just “alien” when referring to individuals residing in the U.S. without legal documentation. Key regulations, such as 8 USC 1182 and 1227, make reference to “acceptable aliens” and “deportable aliens.”
Moreover, laws related to employment and public interest, like 8 USC 1324(a) and 8 USC 1611, discuss “illegal employment of aliens” and the notion that some aliens aren’t eligible for federal benefits.
Under the Criminal Code, 8 USC 1324 addresses violations concerning “bringing and harboring certain aliens.” During the Biden administration, this law was frequently highlighted by right-wing commentators, who pointed to its support for the usage of “illegal alien.”
Another mention can be found in 8 USC 1325. Here, the term “alien” appears again.
Union leaders have emphasized the need for immigration enforcement, drawing comparisons between ICE operations and organized crime.
In June, a high school student in Davidson County, North Carolina received a $20,000 settlement and an apology after being suspended for using the word “alien” in class. The 16-year-old had questioned if “alien” applied to the term “illegal alien” requiring a green card.
School administrators faced backlash for perceived racial insensitivity, leading to the families suing on grounds of racial bias and false claims under the First Amendment.
