Fox News’ Bret Baier, using the word “illegals” to describe undocumented immigrants in the United States, said that a U.S. Supreme Court decision would have the effect of “penalizing businesses for hiring illegals.” However, prominent media outlets and journalists’ associations have denounced the use of the term “illegals,” noting that it “skew[s] the public debate on immigration issues.”
Baier Uses Term “Illegals” In Special Report Segment About Recent Supreme Court Decision
Baier: “Law Penaliz[es] Businesses For Hiring Illegals.” From the May 26th episode of Special Report:
BAIER: [T]he U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Arizona’s law, penalizing businesses for hiring illegals. The vote was 5-3 with one abstention. The justices rejected arguments that the states have no role in immigration matters, which could open the door to other challenges. [Fox News, Special Report with Bret Baier, 5/26/2011]
AP Style Book Explicitly Instructs Journalists Not To Use “Illegal Or Illegals”
Associated Press Style Book: “Do Not Use The Shortened Term An Illegal Or Illegals.” In its definition of “illegal immigrant,” the AP Style Book specifically instructs readers not to shorten the phrase to exclude the word “immigrant.” From their official definition of the term “illegal immigrant”:
Used to describe someone who has entered the country illegally or who resides in the country illegally. It is the preferred term, not illegal alien or undocumented worker. Do not use the shortened term an illegal or illegals. [AP Style Book, accessed 5/26/2011]
