Style Guidance home

Borders and Populations

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:

undocumented immigrant / unauthorized immigrant / non-status immigrant

An undocumented immigrant is someone who resides in the US without legal authorization, which is a civil, not criminal, offense. They could have improperly entered the country (which is a misdemeanor), have an expired visa, or belong to an immigration protection status that’s been revoked by the US government. The National Association of Hispanic Journalists guidance recommends using the term “undocumented immigrant” over a term such as illegal immigrant, which is misleading and reductive, since a person cannot be illegal. “Alien” is used in some legal documents, but many immigrant rights groups consider it dehumanizing. Extra care is needed when reporting on immigration to ensure that journalists do not endanger their sources.

war crime

A war crime is a serious violation of the laws and customs of war, collectively known as international humanitarian law (IHL). These rules—most notably codified in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols—seek to minimize the harm of armed conflict by protecting civilians, prisoners of war, and other non-combatants, as well as by restricting the methods and means of warfare. Until judicial bodies make determinations, journalists play an essential role in documenting, verifying, and contextualizing evidence that may later support accountability efforts. Clear, fact-based reporting helps audiences understand both the legal framework and the human consequences when those rules are broken.

xenophobia

Xenophobia is a fear and hatred of foreigners or anything that is foreign. An individual or policy can be both racist and xenophobic; to be as precise as possible, it’s best to avoid conflating the two.

In the context of immigration, assimilation typically refers to immigrants’ adoption of the majority group’s language and some of their cultural values. Historically in the US, it can have coded racist connotations, as it has often implied the absorption of dominant cultural norms. Terms such as integration or acculturation are possible alternatives, with more of an emphasis on a two-way process, allowing for the retention of native customs, language, and other cultural markers.

Forward arrow

“Migrant” is an umbrella term for anyone who moves within or outside of their country of residence. Being specific about the situation in question and someone’s motivation for the move can help bring clarity to a story. For example, referring to people who are fleeing war or persecution as “refugees” will highlight the necessity of their move in a way that recognizes their situation.

Forward arrow

A DACA recipient is an individual who has been granted protections under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. A person applies for DACA and, upon approval, “has DACA,” “has DACA status,” or is a “DACA recipient.” “DACAmented” is also a popular usage among some DACA recipients, though as not all recipients use the term, limiting it to those who self-identify in this way acknowledges that difference. Due to the potential legal 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.

Forward arrow

Get in Touch

Language, Please is a living resource and will be updated regularly. Have a question, suggestion, or addition? We’d love to hear from you.

Contact Us

Find an Inclusivity Reviewer

Access our inclusivity reviewer directory here.

View Directory