Where did the term "illegal immigrant" originate?

Question

Does anyone know when it became illegal to immigrate into the US, or why? Can anyone give any sources?

Does anyone know when it became illegal to immigrate into the US, or why? Can anyone give any sources?

Edit: I guess I need to explain it a little more to some of you. Society has not existed since the beginning of time. Animals and people migrated at one point in time. Civilization came about, people started "immigrating", but then the US said it was illegal for some people to do so. So when was it "illegal" to move into the US? Was it illegal for Scots in the 1700's or French in the 1600's? Does anyone know WHEN, specifically?

Answer 1

In 1924, Congress enacted the first law
limiting immigration to the United States
and stating how those who could immigrate legally
would be identified.
The current immigration system,
including numbers and categories,
was established by the Immigration Act of 1990.
Between these two "bookends,"
two other main laws regulated immigration.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/aboutus/history/teacher/mainimm.htm


Operation Wet*back was a 1954 project
of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
to remove about 80,000 undocumented people
from the southwestern United States,
with a focus on Mexican nationals.
Mexican citizens residing in the U.S. were called wet*backs;
this term is now used as a derogatory term
for any Mexican or Central American immigrant.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_*******

(Google It)


Through The Late 50s And 60s, (And Still Today)
The Legaleze Term Was (Is) ILLEGAL ALIEN

It Seems That "ALIEN" Is Derogatory As Well
Hence The Politically Correct "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT"

And Now The "ILLEGAL" Part
Is STILL Rubbing These Ungrateful #^%$#$ The Wrong Way
And They Want To Be Referred To As "UNDOCUMENTED"





I Think We Should Call Em What They Are

ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS
ENEMIES Of The USA

Answer 2

There is a difference in immigrating and sneaking across the border or lying when you come for a visit and just not leaving. There are those who do it the legal way and yes it is difficult and slow but LEGAL. Those are the type of people we should welcome into our society not those with no respect for our existing laws. Many countries through out the world are experiencing the same problems now if not greater.

Answer 3

AveGirl got it exactly right. As long you come to the states LEGALLY and follow procedure, immigrating here isn't illegal. It's illegal when you don't follow the regulations.

This question is really kind of a no-brain-er. It's not hard to figure out how the term originated. Ummm, they're immigrants.... and they're coming here ILLEGALLY..... what shall we call them?

Answer 4

There is no such a term!!! For one to be considered as an "immigrant," he/she must have entered the country legally! You are thinking of "Illegal alien" which is a totally different thing.

Answer 5

Ever since there was an established government, it was illegal to come here without going through the proper documentation and getting immunized, etc.

Answer 6

I'm not sure where it originated, but I think they shouldnt be called that. By calling them immigrants, that's insinuating that they belong here. I say we call them "illegal aliens" so that they are not to be confused with legal immirgants.

Answer 7

I DON'T WANT TO EVEN TRY AND ANSWER THIS..
CHECK OUT IMMIGRATION ACT.?

Answer 8

I dont know