‘Illegal immigrant’ no more

Terminology in the public discourse about immigrants and immigration is extremely important. Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) made that clear in his recent use on the radio of an epithet to refer to Mexican migrant workers.  

Today, the Associated Press announced thatthe AP Stylebook today is making some changes in how it “describes people living in a country illegally.”  “The Stylebook no longer sanctions the term `illegal immigrant’ or the use of `illegal’ to describe a person. Instead, it tells users that “illegal” should describe only an action, such as living in or immigrating to a country illegally.”

AP’s style change may well have impacts throughout the journalistic world, which helps shape the way that people think about immigrtaion and immigrants. Kudos to AP!

UPDATE (April 3):  The N.Y. Times reportedly is considering style changes similar, but not as sweeping, as AP’s.

KJ