The issue of immigration reform has been discussed plenty as the flow of undocumented immigrants coming into America has drastically increased over the past few years. What I find troubling is the rhetoric used surrounding the issue. “Get the illegals out!” seems to be the battle cry for Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump and his supporters, meanwhile children are wondering why their existence is to be prohibited. That leaves us to wonder how the issue of immigration should be addressed. 

First, we need to understand the importance of diction used in politics. Through heavy discussion in their campaigns, many politicians such as Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush have brought about the issue of immigration to the congressional plate. The problem lays in the rhetoric that is used when addressing the problem to the public. Trump has been adamant about using the term “illegal” in reference to undocumented immigrants. Trump’s respective followers and supporters have followed the suit. It seems as though they have been influenced and unknowingly guided to adopt Trump’s terminology. You may be thinking that referring to immigrants as “illegals” is something of little importance, but we need to look at the bigger picture.

You wouldn’t refer to someone who jaywalks as an illegal – what makes the situation of an undocumented immigrant any different? The term “illegals” in it of itself is derogatory. As explained by The New York Times, referring to an immigrant as an “illegal” completely strips them of their own humanity and reduces them to a legal status.  Furthermore, it allows for people to form the idea that immigrants are less than human – this, in-turn, harbors an environment in which discriminatory actions can take place. There have already been many instances lately in which supporters of Trump have been seen attacking protesters of radical immigration reform. The protester’s signs were slashed, they were beat and their hair was pulled. They protestors were either Hispanic or immigrants. This is clearly dehumanization and discrimination against a minority demographic. These attacks cannot be tolerated, especially since it takes form in physical attacks. Thankfully there are two simple solutions to this issue. 

We collectively need to stop using the term “illegal” and instead use the term “undocumented” in reference to immigrants. This ends the stigma that a person’s self-worth is dependent on their legal status. At the same time, we also need to educate the public on the actuality of immigration. There has been an onslaught of claims made by Trump that a large number of immigrants, specifically those coming from Mexico are rapists, drug dealers and criminals. Claims like these portray immigrants as if they were monsters and it’s not surprising when the public begins believe those statements. Unfortunately for Trump, according to the Wall Street Journal, recent studies have shown that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than the native population.  Addressing these claims and clarifying the truth surrounding immigration makes it less likely for the public to see immigrants as a threat and in turn lower discrimination and attacks against this demographic. Immigration reform is a problem that needs to be solved, but using troubling rhetoric will get us nowhere. The solution we are looking for will not be found as long as we are discriminating those who seek help. When addressing the issue of immigration, it should be talked about like anything else – with respect.