Why do people use the term "alien" when dealing with someone who is illegaly in the county?

Answer 1

It is a legal term. It doesn't mean they are from outer space.

In law, an alien is a person who is not a native or naturalized citizen of the land where they are found. Types of "alien" persons are:

* An alien who is legally permitted to remain in a country (which is foreign to him/her) on specified terms may be called a "legal alien" of that country.
* An alien who has temporary or permanent residence in a country (which is foreign to him/her) may be called a "resident alien" of that country.
* A visitor with the legal right to visit a country (which is foreign to him/her) may be called a "nonresident alien" of that country.
* The term illegal alien describes a foreign national who resides in another country unlawfully, either by entering that country at a place other than a designated port-of-entry or as result of the expiration of a non-immigrant visa. (See illegal immigration)
* An enemy alien is an alien who is designated as an enemy. (See enemy combatant).

Answer 2

In law, an alien is a person who is not a citizen of the land where he or she is found. If an alien resides in the country, as opposed to being just a visitor, he or she may be called a "resident alien". The term illegal alien describes foreign nationals who have entered the country illegally.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_(law)

Whether they are not from your country or not from this planet, the term still applies.

One difference to note ... I am a Sasquatch! Whether I reside in the USA or Canada or Mexico etcetra ... I am considered a resident of this planet! Country matters not! I travel where and when I please!

Ouch! Did I just hit on something here??? Are not all humans residents of this planet? So, counrty of origin should not matter?

Oh My Goodness! How will government control this? We are doomed! People and Sasquatches flowing in when and where ever they want!

Okay, my acting days are over but it almost makes some sort of sense! How far can it be taken? Our solar system? Our galaxy? It has to start and stop somewhere!

Thus, we have laws defining an alien being.

Did I confuse or help?

The Ol' Sasquatch Ü

Answer 3

"Alien" is something that is out of place, or does not belong, so as you can see, people are using the term correctly.

"Illegal alien" is the official term used in legislation and by the border patrol for a person who has entered the country illegally or is residing in the United States illegally after entering legally (for example, using a tourist visa and remaining after the visa expires).

Answer 4

It is the standard correct term to describe a person who is not a citizen. Alien means foreign. It is and has been used forever. Nothing to do with flying saucers. Kind of like calling a wiener dog a hot dog.

Answer 5

"alien" meant "foreign national" long before science fiction writers existed to borrow the term to mean little green men.

Legal resident foreign nationals are legal aliens. When I travel to another country, I am an alien there.

Answer 6

Mexico

Mexico has very strict immigration laws pertaining to both illegal and legal immigrants.[24] The Mexican constitution restricts non-citizens or foreign-born persons from participating in politics, holding office, acting as members of the clergy, or serving on the crews of Mexican-flagged ships or airplanes. Certain legal rights are waived in the case of foreigners, such as the right to a deportation hearing or other legal motions. In cases of flagrante delicto, any person may make a citizen's arrest on the offender and any accomplices, turning them over without delay to the nearest authorities.

In the first eight months of 2005 alone, more than 120,000 people from Central America have been deported to their countries of origin. This is a significantly higher percentage than in 2002, when for the entire year, only 130,000 people were deported [25]. Another important group of people are those of Chinese origin, who pay about $5,500 to smugglers to be taken to Mexico from Hong Kong. It is estimated that 2.4% of rejections for work permits in Mexico correspond to Chinese citizens [26]. Many women from Eastern Europe, Asia, the United States, and Central and South America are also offered jobs at table dance establishments in large cities throughout the country causing the National Institute of Migration (INM) in Mexico to raid strip clubs and deport foreigners who work without the proper documentation [27]. After the Argentine economic crisis of 2001 many Argentines have chosen to immigrate to Mexico either temporarily or permanently[citation needed]. Many of these are currently working in the country with the proper documentation, including some who work also in table dance establishments. In 2004, the INM deported 188,000 people at a cost of $10 million [28].

While maintaining its own agressive stance on immigration Mexico condemns the United States for its efforts at building a fence to stem the flow of illegal immigrants from Mexico. [29]

For an example of a typical Mexican immigration town see Cherán (town)

Answer 7

That's what they ARE!! See number ONE....

al·ien /ˈeɪlyən, ˈeɪliən/ Pronunciation [eyl-yuhn, ey-lee-uhn]
–noun
1.a resident born in or belonging to another country who has not acquired citizenship by naturalization (distinguished from citizen).
2.a foreigner.
3.a person who has been estranged or excluded.
4.a creature from outer space; extraterrestrial.
–adjective
5.residing under a government or in a country other than that of one's birth without having or obtaining the status of citizenship there.
6.belonging or relating to aliens: alien property.
7.unlike one's own; strange; not belonging to one: alien speech.
8.adverse; hostile; opposed (usually fol. by to or from): ideas alien to modern thinking.
9.extraterrestrial.

Answer 8

Because it is the correct term... *ANYONE* that is not a citizen of the country (any country, not only the US) is an alien to that country. Geeze.... learn the language

Answer 9

I know right. I know why they call them "aliens", but come on they make it sound like they're not from this world. Kinda harsh I'd say.

Answer 10

Alien means not belonging, from elsewhere.