illegaal

Illegaal is a Dutch adjective meaning not in accordance with the law; it is commonly translated as "illegal" in English. It is used to describe actions, conditions, or statuses that do not meet legal requirements. The term can function as a noun when referring to a person who is in a country without the necessary residence status; this noun usage has been common in legal and media contexts, but it is frequently criticized for stigmatizing individuals.

Etymology: The word derives from the French illégal, itself from Latin illegalis, and entered Dutch via French in the early modern period. The spelling illegaal reflects Dutch phonology, with the double l and the final -aal ending.

Usage and reception: In policy and public discourse, illegaal is often used in phrases such as illegale vreemdeling. Many scholars and advocacy groups prefer non-stigmatizing language, for example mensen zonder verblijfsvergunning or mensen zonder papieren. Some journalists and authorities still employ illegaal for brevity, but its use is debated and increasingly contextual, with a tendency toward specifying legal status rather than labeling the person.

Related terminology: In Dutch, a preference exists for describing status rather than identity, such as "mensen zonder verblijfsvergunning" rather than labeling someone as an illegaal. In other languages, equivalent terms vary in neutrality and connotation, influencing how media and policymakers discuss immigration and residence rights.