Illegals or Undocumented? Does it Matter?

Amanda h

I always say undocumented worker, or, immigrant. I am a family advocate (social work) and work for a very PC company. It is appropriate, as undocumented means without documentation, and, immigrant is someone that moves to a new country...

I also say illegals on occasion (less to type), but, I find this to sound unnecessarily harsh. Since the crime of crossing the border is a misdemeanor and an appeals court in Kansas recently ruled that while the act of crossing the border is illegal, living in the USA without permission to do so, is not....

I think people get too hung up on words. I would never scream at someone to use my words (undocumented), and, I find it really obnoxious when I post a question and the only answer I get from some people is "They're illegal- not undocumented!" Missing the point caught in the semantics...

"Speak English"- Illegal entry to the US is classified as a misdemeanor- paper offense. Your analogy is silly. If I don't register my car on time, 15 years from now am I an "illegal driver"? Of course not. Ridiculous. And, the point is simply: if you have nothing better to do than to worry about someone else's choice of words, you really need a hobby.

"Speak English 2" Please know that there was a recent court ruling stating that the act of crossing the border was illegal, but, being in the country without permission is not... Therefore, it is a one-time incident that you are trying to label them with forever.. More similar to my analogy- I forget once... One offense... no continued crime...

brian

i think it's a more accurate description.

it's exactly how it's different from saying 'alternative lifestyle' instead of 'pedophilia' that makes it so useful.

undocumented means one specific thing. illegal means millions.

Marc X

They used to be Indians and now they're Native Americans. Have they changed? Nope, just the name.

They used to be Old Fogies and now they're Senior Citizens. Have they changed? Nope, they're still old.

They used to be called Garbage Dumps and now they're Landfills. Have they changed? Nope, same old crap in them.

When it comes to non-citizens, Undocumented is Illegal. People who get upset over to-MAY-to or to-MAH-to should stop being so angry and be appreciative that it's the only distressing thing in their lives.

And if there actually are more distressing things in their lives, why are they wasting time over trivialities?

toe_crap

They are illegal aliens. They are in no way shape or form "immigrants", and they are not merely "undocumented".

ProUSA2

People get angry at those who use the term "undocumented" because they are trying to avoid any term that acknowledges that they broke the LAW.

Every country in the world has immigration laws.

Every country enforces them.

Period.

FYI, they are not undocumented and they are not immigrants.

They are ILLEGAL ALIENS.

You have 2 legal categories of "aliens": Resident and non-resident Alien.

Definition of Resident Alien
Resident aliens generally are taxed on their worldwide income, similar to U.S. citizens.

To be classified as a resident alien, the individual must meet one of two tests:

1. Green Card Test

A non-resident alien is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. at any time if they have been given the privilege, according to the immigration laws, of residing permanently as an immigrant. This status usually exists if the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued a green card.

2. Substantial Presence Test

A non-resident alien is classified as a resident alien for tax purposes if they were physically present in the U.S. for 31 days during the current year and 183 days during a three-year period that includes the current year and the two years immediately before that.

Definition of Non-resident Alien
If a person does not meet either the Green Card or Substantial Presence Test, then that person is classified as a non-resident alien.

A new arrival on a J-1 or F-1 visa is generally a non-resident alien.
Non-resident aliens are taxed only on their income from sources within the U.S. and on certain income connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the U.S.

And then you have An ILLEGAL ALIEN, which is neither of these.

An illegal alien is in a category all by himself or herself. He or she is not a resident or non-resident alien, not a citizen, naturalized citizen, and not any type of legal immigrant.

People like to use the term "undocumented" as if the only thing an illegal alien is lacking is paperwork, once they get it, everything will be "hunky dory". But the only way this will happen is for them to LEAVE the country, return to their country of origin and apply the legal way, obviously getting in line behind those already in the process. They are in no way shape or form "undocumented immigrants". They are not in the process AT ALL.

People like to call illegal aliens "immigrants" so as to try to make them seem "legal or kosher" and group them with those that follow the law coming here, or residing here. It's a slap in the face and an insult to group them together with law-abiding immigrants. People also attempt to confuse the issue (intentionally) by using the term "immigrants" when they really mean those that are here illegally. It is merely an attempt to blur the issue between REAL immigrants that followed the law to come here and those that did not...the ILLEGAL type.

speak english

I walk into a bank and rob the place of about 3 million bucks. Some cop stops me on the street and says "put up your hands, you lawbreaker". But I just say "Officer I'm not an illegal - I'm just an undocumented millionare !!!!".

Saying undocumented immigrant glosses over the real fact that they are ILLEGAL. It's amazing some peopel just cannot grasp that simple concept (break the the law = illegal). No amount of pc wordplay will change the facts.

Illegal aliens are not undocumented anything - they are lawbreakers who should be deported.

Amanda - my analogy is dead on. Say you don't bother to get a driver's license (which is like a green card allowing you to drive), but fire up the old dodge every morning anyway. You get pulled over one day and will claim to be an undocumented driver? You're a lawbreaking illegal, and your prospects for a license (or a green card) should get towed away with the crappy dodge.

I have plenty of hobbies. Perhaps you should learn the meaning of words like ILLEGAL.

Amanda2 - that was a KANSAS court ruling, right? The same state court that said Evolution was wrong and creationism should be taught? Yeah ok. Whatever. Smoking pot is a misdemeanor too. I guess that means it's ok to light up. First DUI can be a misdemeanor too in some states - I guess that means it's ok to pound an Iron City and get behind the wheel (of that crappy dodge without a license, er, document to drive).

Your point is because it's a misdemeanor it's not illegal? Because a misdemeanor is still BREAKING THE LAW. Even in monkey trial states like kansas.

Little Red Secret

As long as it isn't offending anyone, and people understand what you're talking about, you should be able to say whatever you like.

I don't think I've actually ever heard anyone say "undocumented" when talking about illegal immigration.

slew

What makes a group of people a civilization is the power of words. they are a means to commununicate. A way to identify, A way to mantain order. It's a bit annoying to me, because It feels like someone is trying to manipulate my thoughts, but Pre own cars annoy me too.

Anne

Most that use the term undocumented feel that their behavior, coming without permission, is acceptable, so therefore all that's wrong is the proper documents need to be provided, and the way to regularize them is amnesty. I feel that calling them undocumented means that they have decided to set our immigration policy, not the USA, and I feel that is wrong. Being that they think once they are here we have to accommodate them with the proper documents, so that's why I prefer the term illegal aliens

brucec83

Technically, an "illegal alien" could be a person
who is not legally an alien.

I was taught to use the term "illegal alien" colloquially as a generic expression for a person of foreign nationality who has "entered without inspection", or is "out-of-status," or has "violated their status" or has "overstayed" or is "undocumented" for one of the above reasons, or for committing an act listed in sections 212 or 241 of the Immigration and Nationality Act or title 18 USC.

But this term is not very specific.

sky walker

Its a horrible thing to say that any human being is illegal. Where is your compassion. No one is illegal. People who cross the border are for the most part industrious honest people just trying to better their lives Its a shame that we can't have them come over in unlimited numbers. We may have to send them back, but let them have their dignity. Call them undocumented if you must but dont degrade them by calling them illegal. No one is an illegal human being

AConcernedCitizen

Calling an ILLEGAL ALIEN "undocumented", Is like calling a CRACK DEALER an "unlicensed pharmacists".

wolfserpentcrowrat

Undocumented workers is what they are.

Illegals too.

But then those who shout about it have forgotten and /or just don't care that we all live on stolen land.

No matter how far back the family lines go , we are all immigrants.

What is legal?

Justified?

Somehow ok if we happened to be born within the lines?

I like Undocs.

Whiner

Purely a play on words to increase the popularity of oneself. Neither bothers me.

BimmerDude

Yeah, Sigy, it bothers me. Just because political correctness has made it so this country doesn't dare say what they really feel, one of the bases this country was founded on. Calling them illegal is saying it how it is, calling them undocumented is allowing the fear of PC come over you.

tunavamp

Yes, it bothers me. I don't like it when someone tries to legitimize illegal behavior by playing the "word game". I get just as angry when "undocumented" is used instead of "illegal" as I do when "alternative lifestyle" is used instead of "pedophilia". Call it what it is. Don't try to white wash it with a change in name.

I know your views. They came out loud and clear in your question about the "real motivation behind antis". You think we are beating up on the "poor, powerless illegals".

Oladipo O

Apart from that, illegal immigrants are eligible for obtaining a a residency permit after a period of time in the United States.All they need to do is obtaining proper documentation.

Sloan R

I like calling them the worse, most politically incorrect things that I can think of because I hate their stinking guts.

You go Get Hyphy. I'll even help pay for your supplies. I'd rather see you down their doing some real good than in Iraq making money for the big corporations that are employing all the ILLEGAL'S!

AveGirl

Some illegals are not actually illegal, they are temporary illegal and waiting on paperwork to go through, etc.

They are actually legal, but not documented currently, which technically makes them illegal.

I would call illegal a person that comes here undocumented from the beginning. Or a person that overstays their visa without renewing it. (because they did not have a legit job.)

LeighAnn D

It's the same for me. I don't care!Stop being a whiny little troll. LOL

Daniel F

They are undocumented immigrants, I have always referred to them as such and I shall continue the practice.

How could that mess with someones mind?

Spazzâ„¢[FTP]

I don't see why some people get all outraged when they hear the term undocumented immigrant. It's just another word for illegal alien . Honestly I think that people that stress about another person's diction (word choice) needs to get a life .

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