undocumented

[ uhn-dok-yuh-men-tid ]

adjective

1. lacking documentation or authentication.
2. lacking proper immigration or working papers: undocumented immigrants.

   an undocumented worker;

   undocumented immigrants.

Sensitive Note

See illegal alien.

Word History and Origins

Origin of undocumented¹

First recorded in 1880–85; un- ¹ + documented ( def )

Example Sentences

Trump has promised to build internment camps for undocumented immigrants he has declared war against.

From Salon

During Trump’s first term as president, California filed more than 100 lawsuits against the federal government, winning protections for undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children and securing clean air rules.

From Los Angeles Times

The most dramatic change was on the question of whether undocumented immigrants should be "forced to return to their home countries before applying to legally come to the U.S."

From Salon

"Both documented and undocumented Eritreans are being targeted. Even mothers visiting detained family members have been arrested," he told the BBC.

From BBC

When Trump takes office he will inherit a situation in which fewer undocumented migrants are being apprehended at the US southern border than at any other time over the past four years.

From BBC