Final answer:
The meaning of 'illegal alien' is a non-citizen who resides in the United States without legal authorization, often discussed in debates on immigration reform and civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term illegal alien refers to non-citizens who enter the United States without government authorization or who overstay their visas, thus violating the United States nationality law. This issue is at the heart of ongoing debates about immigration reform and civil rights. Many illegal immigrants come to the U.S. due to dangers they face in their home countries from violence, poverty, or climate change, seeking safety and better opportunities.
However, their presence without legal status poses challenges, including questions around civil rights, the possibility of deportation, and eligibility for citizenship. An estimated 11 to 12 million undocumented immigrants reside in the U.S., with meaningful portions originating from Mexico, Latin America, Asia, and other regions. Discussions on how to handle these residents include proposals for pathways to citizenship, comprehensive immigration policy reforms, and the impact of illegal immigration on communities and the labor market.