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Why I use the phrase ‘illegal alien’ with no regrets
Saturday, March 28, 2009 12:21 AM PDT
In November 2008, I wrote a column asking why, when I cite statistics from the Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor or the California Department of Education that prove that immigration adds dramatically to overpopulation, depresses American workers’ wages or adds disproportionately to classroom size, some readers label me a racist. Others, even more vehement, call me a hate monger.
Why throw stones at me? After all, I wondered out loud, my sources are beyond reproach. No one challenges their methodology.
My purpose over the two decades that I’ve brought immigration facts into the greater light of day is not to offend but to raise awareness. With every passing year, my effort has become increasingly incorrect politically.
Although I never expect to be canonized, I think of myself as a modern-day St. Sebastian, the target of my enemy’s arrows. No matter how many they shoot at me, I survive to battle on.
Still, thin skins have a tough time with hard facts.
A recent letter to the News-Sentinel editor proves my case.
Earlier this month, in one of the News-Sentinel’s mostly widely read weekly items, a furious reader wrote that my continued use of the term “illegal alien” is “dehumanizing.” According to the livid correspondent, I am filled with “hate and racism,” and am an “oppressor” who “spews” anti-immigrant rhetoric.
While the News-Sentinel’s feedback section comforted me with its nearly unanimous support, my detractor’s allies included one reader who said, “No person is illegal.” Another other commented, “Everyone deserves to have dreams.” These represent the standard default arguments to condone illegal behavior.
Be that as it may, the reality is that resentment toward me for using the term “illegal alien” is misdirected. I didn’t coin the term and am powerless to remove it from common vernacular.
Those irate readers who wish to protest “illegal aliens” as terminology should contact the federal government to ask that the words be removed from the U.S. Code, Title 8, Section 1325, wherein it states that “improper entry by alien” occurs when “Any citizen of any country other than the United States who enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact.”
When “illegal alien” is deleted from the official U.S. Web site that defines immigration policy, I’ll stop using it in my columns.
In the meantime, I suspect that my critics would like me to substitute “undocumented immigrant” for “illegal alien.”
But if I acquiesced, I’d have to compromise my journalism standards. According to my fully revised and updated Associated Press Stylebook, “illegal” — not “undocumented” — is the correct word to describe “a violation of the law.” (Editor’s note: AP’s preferred term is “illegal immigrant” versus “illegal alien” or “undocumented worker.”)
And my New York Times Manual of Style and Usage states flatly, “Do not use the euphemism ‘undocumented.’”
Although “undocumented immigrant” has only two words, both of them are improperly applied. The phrase is intended, often successfully, to mislead the uninformed.
Most — perhaps all — who enter the United States either have documents or quickly obtain them. But they are often stolen, forged or useless in terms of their genuine value as real identification. The most glaring example is Mexico’s matricula consular card, so easily obtained that I have one even though I’m not Mexican and did not have to provide a shred of evidence to prove who I am. The only thing I had to show was $25.
And an “immigrant” is a person who enters the U.S. with a valid visa through a recognized port of entry.
In short, a so-called “undocumented immigrant” is neither undocumented nor an immigrant.
The message from my adversaries to me is this: As long as I feel compelled to tell the whole story, they’d prefer it if I kept my mouth shut.
Sadly, when the subject is immigration, the truth is a lighting rod.
Joe Guzzardi recently retired from the Lincoln Technical Academy, gave up on California and moved to Pittsburgh, Penn. Contact him at guzzjoe@yahoo.com.
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ttian wrote on Apr 7, 2009 10:25 PM:
ttian wrote on Apr 7, 2009 10:24 PM:
Gator wrote on Apr 6, 2009 2:58 PM:
like to see if we have been where they live!! Not so hard, eh ttian. Actually
most I have met in Lodi come from main land Mexico.. As for Cubans there
are no illegals, they get a foot on the US they are home free.. So here is where its at, Illegals of any country need to be deported on the spot, we owe them nothing!!! By the way the Cubans have little sympathy for the Mexicans sneaking across the border.. They say if they were governed by
a dictator like Castro that would be one thing, but they arent so they have
little reason to leave. The Idea is to stay and rebuild your country. "
ttian wrote on Apr 5, 2009 6:52 PM:
"But you refer to my use of the word Mexican, well they are the bulk of the people we see.."
Does that mean if you see a Mexican then they are here illegally? How do you know they are Mexican? How do you know if they may be Spanish, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Peruvian, Guatemalan, Venezuelan, Chilean, Asian, Indian, etc, etc..
Racial Profiling is what that is referred to. "
ttian wrote on Apr 5, 2009 6:50 PM:
an illegal immigrant is an immigrant that immigrates illegally,
A drug is something dangerous and you compare that with immigrating?
But when a certain ethnicity is being labeled as drug dealers, thats the racist scapegoat context and agenda.
Gator wrote Most dont care to fit in, get educated, speak fluent English and just plain fit in.
This is judging, judge not, than you may not be judged. You cant know how hard it is to go to school (if youre lucky and the instructor is genuinely caring and the curriculum is of at least some good quality), learn a second language while working and raising a family and surviving, without low or without much higher education or capital, some make it but many dont because of the difficulty of it, many Asian, come from educated backgrounds and with capital, those who dont (dont come with education or capital) some may make it but many dont.
Fit in? Does that mean they immigrants have to give up who they are? American is an array of cultures, they fit in just fine. "
Gator wrote on Apr 5, 2009 11:06 AM:
dealer an unlicensed Pharmacist!!! "
Gator wrote on Apr 5, 2009 11:00 AM:
they know the value of an education and will get one and succeed that is the point. But the whole intent of Joes Op-Ed centers on illegal Aliens and that puts a different spin on the Issue. What about breaking the law dont you understand!! Sorry, any, let me emphasize the word ANY illegal Alien should be deported on the spot (New Zealand) and if they return, they are banned for life!!! Im in favor of stopping all immigration for at least 2-3 years till we get it sorted out "
ttian wrote on Apr 4, 2009 8:36 PM:
Immigrant: a person that comes into a country to take up permanent residence.
Illegal alien vs illegal immigrant, thought both terms are used, one has a dehumanizing and offending connotation. How often has government used degrading legal terms? Thus, I see AP chooses not to use that term. But its little to do with and not just about the terms, but majorly about the person who chooses to use more negative or dehumanizing terms, the context on how they use those terms, about who, and the continual practice of the underlining purpose of that context, If you can read the lines and in between the lines, its about scapegoating racism. LNS, Can we get some progress past these backward dragging columns thrown out to our city residents? Something that will lead to something better? "
dogbark wrote on Apr 3, 2009 10:19 PM:
So the government sent them packing fast, from the coast over to the valley where the Americanos were. "
dogbark wrote on Apr 3, 2009 10:17 PM:
noun
....
5. A support .... worn by males engaging in strenuous exercise "
dogbark wrote on Apr 3, 2009 10:13 PM:
noun
1. A person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
2. Anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
(Wordweb) "
MarineMom wrote on Apr 2, 2009 1:16 PM:
stantaves wrote on Apr 2, 2009 9:34 AM:
Gator wrote on Apr 2, 2009 9:20 AM:
By Victor Davis Hanson... "
T & C wrote on Apr 2, 2009 8:05 AM:
No one who is PRO-illegal immigration will ever be able to answer your question! "
russinlodi wrote on Apr 1, 2009 4:46 PM:
http://www.mayorno.com/WhoIsMecha.html
It should be the first on the list "What is Aztlan, Raza and MEChA" "
JD wrote on Apr 1, 2009 3:49 PM:
The people of Mittlecook's pseudo-historical "Aztlan" had no greater claim to the land than the hapless peoples they themselves conquered, and they have no greater claim to the land than the Europeans who later conquered them. "
science8c wrote on Apr 1, 2009 1:55 PM:
Cogito wrote on Apr 1, 2009 9:37 AM:
T & C wrote on Apr 1, 2009 7:02 AM:
Let me try to explain this as politely as I can!
No one in America believes it is "AN EASY PROCESS" to take the path to Citizenship! There are many "Hurdles" to overcome to become "In the end" A American Citizen. But I believe the right to citizenship is worth the fight! Bypassing all legal laws and procedures because a certain countries MILLIONS of people refuse to follow our immigration laws is NO EXCUSE to illegally enter, and remain in our country...with ABSOLUTELY no intention of filing for citizenship on any level! Worse, to work under ID Theft to send Billions back to Mexico is WRONG! To enter America Pregnant, or get pregnant as fast and as many times as you can so as to have Birth right citizenship "In an effort to avoid DEPORTATION is wrong!" Invading America with CRIMINAL INTENT, harming people and property is Wrong!" Our Jails/prisons are full of illegals! Hospitals are not paid for services rendered, and our school budgets are being broken in two under the weight of millions of illegal children! EVERY Country needs to obey our immigration laws. "
T & C wrote on Apr 1, 2009 6:53 AM:
"I don't think ANYONE would ever want asylum in Mexico, esp. along the border. LOL! "
sentimental_76 wrote on Mar 31, 2009 10:23 AM:
sentimental_76 wrote on Mar 31, 2009 10:20 AM:
T & C wrote on Mar 31, 2009 7:32 AM:
My question is: "Do the Illegals need a Passport to enter America"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-03-30-passports_N.htm "
T & C wrote on Mar 31, 2009 7:01 AM:
Hi Gator: Of ALL the posts I have read, your post was the best stated comment. "
T & C wrote on Mar 31, 2009 6:59 AM:
T & C wrote on Mar 31, 2009 6:54 AM:
T & C wrote on Mar 31, 2009 6:51 AM:
Please read your History book before you toss out the LIE that America STOLE Texas, NM, Ariz and California from Mexico!
In case you are a high school drop-out have you ever heard of the Treaty of Guadalupe‐Hidalgo?
on 2 February 1848, the diplomats agreed to the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe‐Hidalgo. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on 17 March. Both sides confirmed the agreement 30 May. The United States gained all of the vast lands Polk had sought at the beginning of the warlater to become the states of California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Utahtaking about half of the land of Mexico but only about 1 percent of its population. The Rio Grande would form part of the boundary between Texas and Mexico. In return, the United States agreed to pay Mexico $15 million and assume all claims of American citizens against the Mexican government, about another $3 million.
http://www.answers.com/topic/mexican-war
Now that we have clarified Fact from B.S., one thing is clear: If you refuse to become a U.S. citizen, STOP Wiring Billions to Mexico and help our country, the country you are Hiding in! "
T & C wrote on Mar 31, 2009 6:41 AM:
T & C wrote on Mar 31, 2009 6:35 AM:
As much as SOME others RANT & RAVE... there are NO "Good Ole Boys" in Lodi! "
T & C wrote on Mar 31, 2009 6:32 AM:
" First things first, Joe G. consider your audience. Of course you find many supporters of your demeaning use of the term "illegal alien" in your Lodi readership. Right-winged, not-so-diverse Lodi is the perfect place to plop down your narrow minded views.
supporter (-ər)
noun
a person who supports; advocate; adherent; partisan
1partisan
Function: noun
Date: 1555
1: a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person ; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance.
Since you ladn14 are a supporter of "No Borders For America, the same definition you state above aplies to you! "
S & W 500 wrote on Mar 30, 2009 10:23 PM:
Open your eyes and do not be such an ignorant LIBERAL PUKE THAT IS PART OF THE PROBLEM! "
Inquisitor wrote on Mar 30, 2009 5:37 PM:
edumacation wrote on Mar 30, 2009 3:09 PM:
In my experience, many of the ILLEGAL ALIENS that I meet are devout racists, who hate anyone who is not "...just like them---", a person who cheated the law by sneaking illegaly across the border to start collecting benefits, whether it was a "job" opportunity, welfare or FREE education and medical care. These are the racists. The people who pretend that "their religion" forbids family planning, yet as soon as they arrive one if the first things they do is abandon their original church and accept anything else---so they can be "politically correct" among other illegal aliens ---who measure their status by how long they have been in this country. In fact, this is the very basis for the criminal Mexican gangs Nortenos and Surenos. Allegedly the Nortenos "are better" since they sneaked over here before the Sureneos. LOL They can both get a clue by start emigrating right back to thneir country. Its NOT my fauilt that Mexico hates these people so much, they don't want them back to ruin their country. Explain that one. "
Gator wrote on Mar 30, 2009 8:23 AM:
who choose not to speak English, get improved education and just plain not fit in I have a friend who
lost half of his family escaping the killing fields in Cambodia, spent over a year in a relocation camp in
Thailand and finally made it to America. Speaking little English none the less entered school and graduated
high school and on to college! To day he Has a PhD in electrical engineering and his children are now finishing High school and going on to collegeTo people like that Illegal aliens are a major slap in the face
they are satisfied with menial labor and low paying jobs. They are satisfied to stay on the bottom of the ladder, its just to much work to climb to the top!!! There is no way they can justify sneaking into this country and living a sub-standard life, no way!!! "
mlittlecook wrote on Mar 30, 2009 3:12 AM:
The original source this article is based upon is the U.S. Census. In under 50 years, the ethnic makeup of this country will shift drastically. It's already starting, and no amount of hatred will stop it from happening. "
Gator wrote on Mar 29, 2009 10:53 AM:
slap in the face to those who chose to come here the right wayNo matter how you
frame it they are a drag on our schools, medical care and Prison system.. Most have very little desire to assimilate into society. With out a doubt they are a fine hard working group of people, but we owe them nothing other than to see they are treated like human beings with kindness and sent back to where thy came from. Its time to look hard at immigration period, we cant support the whole world we need to slow it down to a trickle!!! All of it. "
jramagic wrote on Mar 29, 2009 8:16 AM:
Most all Americans came from immigrants.
Today's new immigrants are equally welcomed, so long as they legal.
America simply does not enforce most of the current laws for suspicious reasons (read: special interests). No other nation would allow such..... "
Cogito wrote on Mar 28, 2009 11:37 PM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 28, 2009 11:34 PM:
mlittlecook wrote on Mar 28, 2009 11:13 PM:
glad2beout wrote on Mar 28, 2009 7:01 PM:
Patricia wrote on Mar 28, 2009 6:08 PM:
danielh wrote on Mar 28, 2009 12:59 PM:
You like to use the phrase "good old boys" as it pertains to local politics;
I don't have any problem with that,
except
the amount of corruption at the local level is miniscule to the same that occurs at federal.
With that in mind, I propose that all races share a common enemy, in the entire world. The enemy is a formidable one that we cannot defeat alone.
With this understanding, I don't have any problem associating with and making friends with Mexicans who recognize who is the enemy. "
danielh wrote on Mar 28, 2009 12:34 PM:
We are using a scapegoat if we point a finger at the Mexican citizens, when there is a much greater crime involving
American politicians and American military commanders who are forming partnerships with Mexico, for their own private benefit.
These relationships establish a wide gap between elite rich, and lower class poor. "
Bulldog wrote on Mar 28, 2009 10:03 AM:
Those who cross our borders without documentation that allows them to legally do so (how about that phrase - is it politically correct enough for you?) are criminals. They have broken the law. If you don't like the law, fix it. Instead, you make some irrelevant attack on the messanger to distract from the message. You have no point, except that the illegal ailens feel bad when their crime is reported. "
ladn14 wrote on Mar 28, 2009 8:58 AM:
supporter (-ər)
noun
a person who supports; advocate; adherent; partisan
1partisan
Function: noun
Date: 1555
1: a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person ; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance
And lastly, because a term is not legally defined as racist, demeaning, or hate mongering, does not in fact mean it is not all of those things. If a group of people is offended by the use of a specific term, why continue it's use? Historically, a term that offends a group of people will be shunned at some point, maybe you should consider being ahead of the curve and discontinuing your use of the term "illegal alien". Because, in fact, it is offensive to many people that fall under the category of illegal immigrants. "
danielh wrote on Mar 28, 2009 8:54 AM:
T & C wrote on Mar 28, 2009 8:21 AM:
Patricia wrote on Mar 28, 2009 7:58 AM:
What detractors should realize is that illegal aliens does not pertain only to Mexican illegal aliens, it's ANYONE that enters this country illegally. Sensitivity in the area of providing to those who are obtaining services and entrance to the US undeserved is amazing.
If illegal aliens want all the privileges of this great country, let them come here legally like my ancestors did. "
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