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.

Someone scheduled to be deported who evaded that order would have been an illegal alien living in the U.S.

From Slate • Jul. 2, 2025

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

Ms. Leveille, 35, faces federal counts of being an illegal alien in possession of firearms and ammunition.

From Washington Times • Sep. 6, 2018

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