This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Re "Methodist Church bans term 'illegal immigrant' " (Tribune, March 21):
I looked up the definitions of "illegal immigrant," "illegal alien" and "alien" in several sources and never came across a negative or offensive definition. Foreigner; resident of another country; resides in a country unlawfully; are the terms used.
Even though I find nothing wrong with the definition of alien, others are offended by this word. For that reason I have chosen to use the term "illegal immigrants" instead of "illegal aliens." I do, however, refuse to refer to them as "undocumented immigrants." This gives them an air of legality and legitimacy, as though they are here legally, but simply "forgot to fill out a form."
No one is offended by the terms "legal immigrant" or "legal resident."
And that's really what this is all about. It's about persuading people to blur the line between immigrants who come legally and those who don't. Forget dictionaries, language and law. Some want to dumb down society by spreading emotionally charged invented problems and misinformation.
We should all treat others with respect, dignity and gentle honesty. But, illegal is still illegal.
Susan Rounds
Midvale