Footnote: What's the difference between 'illegal immigrant' and 'undocumented worker'?

The State Journal's Footnote will try to explain the often heard, but perhaps not widely understood, phrases, ideas and controversies in the news. It runs weekly on Thursdays.

Q: A tough new law in Arizona has put immigration in the spotlight. In discussing the issue, some people refer to "illegal immigrants," while others say "undocumented workers." Is there a difference?

A: As with anything related to immigration right now, the debate around terminology is heated.

Latino groups draw a clear distinction between the terms, arguing that "illegal immigrant" distorts the debate because it suggests the person is a criminal or dangerous.

The American Civil Liberties Union issued a brief on the issue in February and said the act of being present in the U.S. in violation of immigration laws is not, standing alone, a crime. "Unauthorized presence in the U.S. is criminally punishable only if it occurs after an individual was previously formally removed from the U.S. and then returned without permission," it said.

Many undocumented immigrants enter the U.S. legally but overstay their visas, which is a civil violation, not a crime, the ACLU said. That's the basis for the argument used by local groups such as Latinos United for Change and Advancement, which strongly opposes use of "illegal immigrant" and prefers "undocumented worker."

The Associated Press stylebook, which guides usage at most U.S. newspapers, including this one, says "illegal immigrant" is preferred over "undocumented worker." News organizations have defended the usage over the years, saying people who break civil laws still are acting illegally and that "undocumented worker" makes sense only in a story addressing employment.

David Minthorn, deputy standards editor for the AP in New York, said "illegal immigrant" is accurate and neutral for news stories. An immigrant is someone who comes into a country to settle, and illegal means a violation of the law, he said.

"Alternatives like 'undocumented worker,' 'illegal alien' or 'illegals' lack precision or may have negative connotations," he said.

The State Journal follows AP style and uses "illegal immigrant."