Use inclusive words

  • Don’t use words or phrases like “illegals,” “here illegally,” or “alien.” Instead, use the terms “undocumented” and “immigrant.” Be aware that some undocumented students like the term “Dreamers,” but not all.
  • When a student says "I don't have a social security number" it means that they are undocumented. Avoid saying "so, you are undocumented." 
  • Speak inclusively, and make sure that your messages don’t apply only to students with legal status. For instance, when talking about college applications, say, “Today, we’re going to talk about applying for the FAFSA, state financial aid, and other loans." Or say, "Here are some scholarships that require a social security number, and here are some scholarships that don’t.” Present options — in an unprompted, undisturbed way — that allow undocumented students to be included in the conversation.  
  • Embed inclusive language in every aspect of your practice.
  • Use “person-centered” language as a general rule. For example, when talking about groups you aren’t a member of, not using an identity as a stand-in for a person or a group: “people with disabilities” instead of “the disabled”; “undocumented people” instead of “the undocumented”; etc., remembering that any aspect of a person is just that: an aspect of a person.
  • Use language that does not assume a certain level of education. For example, not assuming that all people have graduated from high school and/or gone to college (or will go to college after high school); being mindful of the reading level of language used during the conversation; etc.

Edited: 03/05/2025