Migration is key to so many stories we tell about the world and its peoples, which makes it a challenging topic to cover in a nuanced way. Conflicts can involve the highest stakes, borders are continually shifting, and legal and cultural definitions are frequently at odds. Certain terms related to migration have also taken on specific cultural meanings in the US, and to use them could inadvertently appear to be endorsing a particular viewpoint.
This section of Language, Please aims to help journalists understand key immigration-related terms and the ways their use continues to evolve. This guidance is intended for US newsrooms and focuses on US policy.
This resource was informed by questions and discussions from our own newsrooms. It is a living document that will expand over time. It is not meant to be comprehensive or the definitive arbiter of language “rules” but instead aims to give context and inform thoughtful decision-making. Have a suggestion for an update, change, or addition? Please get in touch.
How to use: Browse the whole section or search for the term you need guidance on; click into any term for in-depth context, additional resources, and related terms.
Additional resources:
Nazi salute
The Nazi salute is the act of thrusting one’s straight right arm at an upward angle, hand flat, palm down. Nazi ideology presumes national and genetic superiority, a right to dominate others, seize land, scapegoat, and eliminate entire groups deemed inferior. Today, it is often used to intimidate and to convey sympathies with white supremacist, neo-Nazi, or white nationalist ideas. In the US, Nazi salutes are not illegal at the federal level; political symbols and gestures have generally been regarded as forms of constitutionally protected speech. Because gesture users can leverage what they know about journalistic practices to dodge accountability, denial of intent should not be taken at face value, and adopting the gesture maker’s language as your own can compromise accurate coverage. Interviewing individuals or organizations with established expertise in identifying antisemitic or otherwise bigoted activity, as well as knowledge of area cultural practices, will strengthen reporting.
nonimmigrant visa
A nonimmigrant visa is granted to an individual who lawfully enters a host country for a temporary stay, such as tourism, business, temporary work, or study. Using “nonimmigrant” to describe a person’s visa status instead of their entire personhood is both more precise and more humanizing.
parolee
In the context of immigration, a “parolee” is a noncitizen granted a temporary stay in the United States for humanitarian or public interest purposes. On first mention, it’s helpful for clarity to specify the type of parole as “immigration parole.”
protest, riot, unrest, uprising, insurrection
“Protest” refers to public actions expressing opposition, such as marches, sit-ins, demonstrations, and forms of non-physical or digital actions. “Riot” is a violent disturbance of peace involving a group of people with the same intent; some journalism organizations advise extra caution and, in some cases, recommend alternatives to the term. “Uprising” refers to a period of protest against governing systems or injustice. “Insurrection” describes a rebellion against an established authority, often using violence.. When in doubt, describe the specifics of what you see to avoid inaccurate labels.
refugee
A refugee is an individual unwilling or unable to return to their country of nationality due to fear of persecution. As with any such descriptor, in order to avoid stigma it is considered best practice to avoid using terms like “refugee” to talk about people unless it is directly relevant to a story.
social determinants of health
Social determinants of health are five factors that impact an individual’s health and well-being, and contribute to health disparities and inequities. It’s a public health term that includes factors such as economic stability and health care access. Social determinants of health cover many factors that may be referred to as “lifestyle factors” or “lifestyle risks,” such as tobacco use, diet, or exercise. A person does not have control over every single quality that impacts their health; the social determinants of health recognize this in the way that risk factors are organized and labeled “social,” not “individual.”
stateless
Someone is “stateless” if they are not considered to be a citizen of any state. If a story refers to people who are “stateless,” it can be helpful to give the reader a brief explanation of statelessness and how it applies to individuals.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a US immigration status granted to noncitizens who flee their countries of origin due to ongoing war, environmental disasters, or other conditions that are deemed “extraordinary” and “temporary.” Recipients are protected from deportation and may work and live in the US as long as they have this status. If using the term, including a brief explanation on first reference, and tracking legal changes and challenges, can be helpful for clarity. Due to the potential ramifications of disclosing someone’s immigration status, it’s especially important to confirm with an individual that they are comfortable with the information being included in media coverage, and that its inclusion is necessary and relevant.
terrorism, terrorist
There is no single, universal definition of terrorism. Acts framed as terrorism are typically marked by a set of features: The violence, or threat of it, is designed to generate widespread fear and motivated by politics or ideology; has far-reaching psychological repercussions; targets civilians or noncombatants; and is perpetrated primarily by non-state actors. For precision and accuracy, many journalism organizations urge reporters to use more specific language than “terrorism” to describe both actions (e.g., attack, bombing) and perpetrators (e.g., gunman, militant). Providing context, refraining from sensationalizing, involving experts, and respecting the rights and dignity of victims are all key to preventing copycat crimes or the spread of misinformation.
unaccompanied migrant children (UMC)
“Unaccompanied migrant children” are migrant children who arrive at the US border without a parent or legal guardian. “Unaccompanied children” or “unaccompanied migrant children” are more neutral terms than “unaccompanied alien children,” which risks othering the children in question.
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