# undocumented immigrant

CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/undocumented-immigrant
Updated: 2026-07-27

## Definition

a person who lives in a country without the official legal permission of that government. They often lack the documents required to work or stay permanently.

For teachers: a foreign national residing in a country without legal authorisation, typically due to unauthorised entry or the expiration of a visa. Often used in political and legal discourse to describe individuals lacking official residency status.

## Examples

- The city provides basic services to every undocumented immigrant.
- The new policy aims to provide a pathway to legal status for the undocumented immigrant population currently working in the agricultural sector.
- Debates surrounding the rights of the undocumented immigrant often highlight the tension between national sovereignty and the humanitarian obligations owed to those integrated into the local workforce.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a compound noun phrase; typically refers to individuals rather than the abstract status.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.