anchor baby

[ang-ker bey-bee]

noun

Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a term used to refer to a baby born to an undocumented mother in a country where the baby becomes a citizen at birth, especially when the birth is planned to facilitate eventual legal residency for the family.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anchor baby¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; from the parents' intent to “anchor” themselves and not be deported

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, supporters argue it would curb so-called “anchor baby” practices and tighten immigration controls.

Read more on Salon

She said there was a "very unpleasant sort of ethno-nationalist anti-Kemi wing" who called her an "anchor baby" - a term used in the United States to refer to people who ensure their children are born in the country in order to gain residency.

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When mothers from Mexico, South America and Central America attempted it, the practice was called having an “anchor baby.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Anchor baby instructions for rich people,” one commenter sniffed, while another called her “corrupt morally and socially.”

Read more on Washington Times

During the last election, Trump repeated the words “anchor baby” gratuitously on the campaign trail, giving the phrase even more air.

Read more on The Guardian

When To Use

What does anchor baby mean?

An anchor baby is an offensive slang term for a child intentionally born in the United States from a foreign mother so the child receives U.S. citizenship, and so the family can get residency.