The AP is right

Saying that a person is “illegal” is grammatically incorrect and an insult—because of the demeaning way this word is usually used, especially when talking about immigration.

The meaning and scope of words is very important, in particular for journalism work, where facts, people and comments are described in a manner that aspires to be objective. That is why the Associated Press (AP) has a stylebook, which is used in the majority of newsrooms around the country. This manual recently banned the use of the expression “illegal immigrant.”

In this case, the AP explained that the change was made to be consistent with rules that are already used by the news agency to describe people. For example, it is incorrect to define someone as schizophrenic, instead of saying it is someone “diagnosed with schizophrenia.” In addition, the new rule does not just ban an expression; it provides broader guidance to report on immigration in a more precise, impartial way.

However, the AP’s new rule includes contradictions, even in its explanation. As a result, both linguists and the general public will be discussing the agency’s decision for a long time, especially given a potential immigration reform.

What matters is that the AP recognizes the changing nature of the English language in a society that is continuously transforming itself.

The problem with the expression “illegal immigrant” is that its repeated use in humiliating contexts has distorted its limited definition, so that in many cases it is used irresponsibly. Based on that, for example, the rule calls for journalists not to describe a person as a violator of immigration laws if that quote is not attributed to someone.

We hope the change at the AP inspires debates in newsrooms that go beyond whether it is right or wrong to use “illegal immigrant,” focusing instead on generalizations and stereotypes that are made gratuitously. While it is true that times change, as does the sense of words, the journalistic value of impartial communication remains the same.