Avoid writing phrase “illegal immigrant”
By Leo E. Laurence, J.D.; Member: SPJ National Diversity Committee, Latino Journalists of California; editor, San Diego News Service
We often read or hear the phrase “illegal immigrants” when referring to undocumented persons. But, usually the phrase is used in a manner that is inconsistent with the law.
Our federal Constitution contains the fundamental doctrine of the presumption of innocence. We are presumed to be innocent until convicted by a court of law. That’s why journalists will refer to an “alleged” burglar, or a “suspected” murderer. But for some reason, many reporters ignore that fundamental principle of our law when it comes to immigration issues.
Some say this goes back to the highly charged statements of anti-immigration activists like the Minutemen, who are often armed civilians (some call them vigilantes) who “patrol” the Mexican border.
There are many who believe that anyone here without the proper documents is ipso facto guilty, but that goes against our basic principle of the presumption of innocence.
Journalists need to be particularly careful to avoid the phrase “illegal alien” or “illegal immigrant,” unless they are quoting someone.
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leopowerhere@msn.com
January 31st, 2010 at 3:14 pm
To me, the term “illegal immigrants” is offensive and unnecessary. As mentioned in this article, we are all “presumed to be innoccent” until otherwise proven by the court of law. Diversity comes in many forms and defamation or name calling is definitely one of it. When we judge people without knowing facts, it’s stereotyping and as bad as racism. Living in Canada, which is supposedly a “free country” I find that people get carried away and as a result are more abusive of their rights. The majority here in general believe that they can do or say anything without any consequence because of their “freedom of speech”. Due to this attitude, offensive pharses like ‘Illegal Immigrant’ for instance are used by a lot of people like teenagers jokingly or by even unconsciously journalists because it’s the norm and it’s what they used to.