WorldAugust 12, 2026

undocumented

un-duh-KYOO-men-ted

Definition

Refers to immigrants who do not possess the official, government-issued documents or legal permits required for lawful entry or residence in a country.

Etymology

The word is a modern formation derived from the prefix 'un-' (meaning not) combined with 'documented,' from the Latin 'documentum' meaning a lesson or piece of evidence.

In the news

The word is used to describe individuals residing in the country without formal legal authorization, specifically in the context of legal debates regarding detention policies for long-term residents.

Free Speech, Immigration Law, and Truth Telling at UCLA Law’s Recent Federalist Society Event

Read the full article ↗

Just Security

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