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 repeatedly pledged to deport millions of undocumented migrants and mobilise the National Guard to help carry this out.

From BBC

A National Institute of Justice study suggests that undocumented migrants in the US are arrested for violent and drug crimes at less than half the rate of native-born citizens.

From BBC

On average an undocumented worker makes approximately $16 an hour, according to the California Immigrant Data Portal.

From Los Angeles Times

In California, home to a sizeable population of mixed families with undocumented members, officials are forbidden from asking students about immigration status.

From BBC

Industries, including the agricultural, manufacturers, hotels and restaurant sectors, often rely on undocumented or temporary workers because they can’t get Americans to do the work.

From New York Times