Why Does CNN Refer to Illegal Aliens as Immigrants?

The terminology used in immigration—specifically the terms referring to illegal aliens and undocumented migrants—is a contentious topic that often surfaces in discussions about immigration policy and media reporting. One notable example is the practice of certain news outlets, such as CNN, in favoring certain terms over others. This article delves into the reasoning behind this choice and its implications.

The Spectrum of Terms: Speeding to Felony

Joe Biden, the current president, has made it a practice to refer to illegal immigrants as 'undocumented' rather than 'illegal'. This choice of words reflects his intention to humanize the debate and avoid dehumanizing immigrants. The reasoning behind this decision is straightforward: not every action can be categorically labeled as 'illegal', and calling people 'illegal' is seen as a means to dehumanize them.

For instance, consider the act of speeding. Speeding is an illegal act, but no one would refer to a speeder as 'illegal'. Similarly, an individual who enters a country without proper documentation has committed an illegal act, such as speeding. Yet, calling the person 'illegal' is seen as a form of degradation and labeling that goes beyond the mere act itself.

Legal Terminology vs. Public Perception

The law refers to illegal aliens as 'unauthorized persons'. This is a legally accurate term that simply indicates that the person lacks the necessary documentation to be in the country. However, terms like 'unauthorized' are not commonly used in the public realm due to their negative connotations. The media and public figures often opt for terms like 'illegal aliens' to emphasize the illegal nature of the act, whereas refusing to use such terms suggests a different narrative.

It is important to note that the vast majority of so-called 'illegal aliens' entered the country legally but overstayed their visas or applied for asylum. This highlights a significant portion of the immigrant population that is not responsible for illegal entry but remains in a complex legal and ethical situation.

The Media's Role in Shaping Narrative

Syndicated new media often uses the term 'migrants', which can be misleading. The term 'migrant' typically refers to people who move from one place to another for economic, social, or other reasons, such as birds migrating for the season. However, when used in the context of immigration, it does not accurately represent the legal status of the individuals involved. This can contribute to a misunderstanding of the situation and the challenges faced by immigrants.

Furthermore, the terms 'undocumented immigrants' and 'asylum seekers' are used more frequently to reflect the legal and human rights context. Calling someone an 'illegal alien' in this context could be seen as an attempt to distance the term from its human context, making it appear more neutral or less harsh. However, this choice can be seen as an attempt to obfuscate the actual legal status and circumstances of the individuals.

Public Perception and Media Influence

There is some debate about whether the media's choice of language influences public perception. While it is true that the choice of words can shape how the public perceives a situation, it is crucial to maintain a balanced and accurate approach. Refusing to label people as 'illegal' can help in fostering empathy and understanding, but it also means that the issue remains highly nuanced.

Some argue that if these individuals had come from regions such as Europe, Canada, or Australia, the term 'illegal' would be more commonly used. This perspective suggests that it's not the nature of the act but the perception of the individual's country of origin that shapes the language used.

Conclusion

The terminology used to describe immigration issues, especially in media outlets like CNN, plays a significant role in shaping public discourse. Choosing to call someone 'undocumented' rather than 'illegal' reflects a desire to humanize the issue and avoid dehumanizing individuals. However, the complexity of the situation means that a single term cannot fully capture the legal and ethical dimensions of immigration. Balancing public perception with legal accuracy is essential in shaping a nuanced and informed understanding of immigration.