The English language is interesting and sometimes confusing because some words have at least two different meanings depending upon the context in which and by whom they are being used. Take for example, the word ‘illegal.’ According to Merriam-Webster, ‘illegal’ means: “Not according to or authorized by law.” Synonyms include: ‘unlawful’ and ‘illicit.’ On the surface, it would seem quite clear when to use the word ‘illegal.’ If there is a law defining what is and is not permissible, and someone violates that law, most would agree that such conduct is ‘illegal’ and is subject to whatever judicial process and sanctions are required under the law.
However, in the lexicon of the current Republican Party, the seemingly simple meaning of ‘illegal’ is not as straightforward as one might hope. This should not be surprising, I guess, because this is the same party that lives in a world of ‘alternate facts’ which was famously explained by Kellyanne Conway, when she worked for Trump during his first administration. Let me explain.
The Republicans, led by their idol, Donald Trump, are banging the drum loud and hard about illegal immigration and how that is a danger to this country. Of course, ‘illegal’ immigration, by definition, is that type of immigration that is in violation of the laws of the United States. That is simply a fact. However, not all immigrants coming to the United States are doing so illegally. There are U.S. laws defining the legal processes required for asylum seekers and others seeking entry into the United States. However, according to the Republican rhetoric these days, they seem to be using the term ‘illegal’ to define any person who crosses into the United States from the south and is not Caucasian. In this context, the word ‘illegal’ has no connection to the law per the intended definition of the word but has become a racist slur.
Also, in the Republican world of alternative facts, the use of the word ‘illegal’ in any context relating to the actions of former President Trump, is taken to mean ‘witch hunt,’ ‘hoax,’ or ‘fake news.’ This is why the English language is so confusing. Merriam-Webster makes no mention of the fact that the word ‘illegal’ has an alternate meaning when used in the context of talking about a former president. However, in the current alternate dictionary used by the Republicans, it seems like it is grammatically incorrect to use the term ‘illegal’ in any context regarding Trump. It’s no wonder Americans and others around the world are so confused.
If the Republicans are so concerned about ‘illegal’ immigration, i.e., immigration that violates U.S. laws, why the hell aren’t they equally outraged at the actions of a former U.S. president that are also in violation of U.S. laws? Trump has been found guilty of sexual assault – illegal. Trump has been found guilty of fraud – illegal. Trump has been indicted in four different jurisdictions for alleged actions that are – you guessed it – illegal! Clearly the term ‘illegal’ has become meaningless when used by Republicans in any context other than as a racial slur.
In the Republican context, the word ‘illegal’ should be redefined to mean “Not according to or authorized by what we want regardless of what the U.S laws say.” They are also working on a new definition of the word ‘integrity.’ I can’t wait.
