illegal alien

[ih-lee-guhl eyl-yuhn, ey-lee-uhn] / ɪˈli gəl ˈeɪl yən, ˈeɪ li ən /

NOUN

(offensive) foreigner in country without permission

Synonyms

WEAK

day-crosser illegal immigrant undocumented immigrant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a plea for help on Facebook, he said that his daughter was denied entry into Canada due to "an incorrect visa" and was refused re-entry and classified as an "illegal alien" by U.S.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2025

“If you knowingly conceal or harbor an illegal alien from a police officer, it is a felony,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2024

He denied charges of disrupting government business and official functions and being an illegal alien in possession of a gun.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2016

“An illegal alien who has received deferred action is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to be ‘lawfully present’ during the period deferred action is in effect.

From Washington Times • Nov. 18, 2014

Alito questions Clement about a hypothetical U.S. citizen, pulled over by police for driving 10 miles over the speed limit and suspected of being an illegal alien.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2012