Words Matter when Speaking About Refugees and Immigrants

What we say conveys more meaning than we may realize. Our word choice is an extension of our values, especially when we speak of individuals or groups and particularly when we are not part of that group. As well, choosing the words we use to describe our services, our role and system matters as we all work to modernize child welfare in Ontario. Being more conscientious about the words we use when referring to refugees and immigrants will promote inclusivity, respect, and dignity in practice.

At a time when the world is more interconnected through technology and migration, it has also been contracted along sovereign lines with many countries emphasizing borders, national interests, and domestic economic priorities. Migration around the world continues to be shaped by conflict, political instability, climate-related disasters, economic uncertainty, and changing immigration policies.  As a Canadian-born citizen, I work alongside refugees, immigrants, and citizens to provide equity-infused child welfare services for refugees, immigrants, and citizens in our communities. Throughout our work this year, it is clear that words and our use of language matter more than ever before.

Use of language shapes how we understand our world. It influences how we view people; it molds public opinion and contributes to self-perceptions.  For professionals working with refugees, immigrants, and migrant families, the words we choose are more than semantics—they can either reinforce stereotypes and exclude or enhance belonging and uphold human rights. In other words, how we communicate can determine how individuals experience our services, view our collaboration with them, feel included in communities, and welcomed to access systems.

Although international and domestic law protects the human rights and migration of people, at the same time, public discourse has become increasingly polarized. Terms such as “illegal” enter conversation, politics, and media easily. The description of people being “illegal” is factually and morally inaccurate and can lead to dangerous assumptions about migrants. The fact is that individuals are never illegal; actions may be illegal however the person is not illegal. Use of this term inaccurately conveys criminality or wrongdoing; the act of seeking migration is legal, upheld by laws across the world. Reducing complex human experiences to simplistic narratives are problematic and they neglect our common humanity, complex international laws, and human rights.

While the terms “illegal or alien” are more commonly used south of the border, advocacy groups in Canada tend to use the term undocumented people instead.  However, the issue using the term undocumented as a descriptor for a migrant, even if someone has precarious status or no status, is that saying they are undocumented is untrue. Regardless of immigration status, people are documented and hold identities. People have names which have been chosen for them, they are tied to families and networks including communities and land. They often have registered identities with countries and all people have the fundamental right to identity documents, even children as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Children.

In CWICE, we have always promoted mindful decision making about terminology. We are consistent and informed and teach this during our CWICE 101 course for child welfare professionals. As in all social work practice, labels can contribute to fear, misinformation, and stigma, while reducing access to necessary services which can further marginalize people who have already endured great hardships.  In CWICE, it has remained important for us to ensure we are respectful, open, compassionate and kind in our approach.

When we use appropriate descriptive or categorization terminology, we also aim to highlight the person first rather than the administrative or legal process they are pursuing (e.g. person with precarious status). We do this to ensure the framing of our clients considers and includes their resilience, skills, migration history, contributions, potential, and goals. Person-first language reminds us that immigration status is only one aspect of an individual's identity. Families arriving in Canada bring languages, cultures, education, professional expertise, and diverse life experiences. They may also carry experiences of trauma, displacement, family separation, persecution, or prolonged uncertainty. The language professionals use can help create environments where people feel respected, heard, and safe enough to engage with services.

There is evidence that language used, or word choice, effects attitudes and decision making. Words and phrases documented in case notes or assessments are important and must be written without bias or assumption. Using respectful and precise terminology supports trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and anti-oppressive practice while reducing unconscious bias. This is particularly relevant for professionals working with children and families. In every family, children may identify differently from their parents or there may be a family with multi-immigration status.  Assumptions based on labels will negatively impact assessments and service plans. It is always recommended that professionals ask questions for clarity, remaining curious and engaged with families, to better understand the family’s journey.

“The limits of my language means the limits of my world” ― Ludwig Wittgenstein

As well as refraining from certain disreputable words, it is also important to distinguish and accurately portray immigration status and citizenship.  Identifying if someone is a refugee or immigrant, to name a few terms, is important.  Asking questions to understand immigration status, or reviewing identity documents to further understand, while building rapport can be an effective engagement method.

Another term often used is newcomer, which we avoid using in CWICE. In Canada, the federal and provincial/territorial governments fund settlement services to newcomers (this group is defined narrowly and specifically). The term newcomer, as defined in dictionaries, is not accurate in the Canadian context because many “newcomers” (people new to Canada) do not have access to settlement services. In our work, this term can be misleading and confusing for service providers, so we avoid using this term entirely. Other terms often confused with one another is trafficking and smuggling. Trafficking involves exploitation through force, coercion, deception and abuses vulnerabilities. Smuggling is the facilitation of unauthorized border crossings for profit and is done so on a voluntary basis. Understanding the key differences in definition and terminology is critical in 2026. The International Labour Organization created a Media-Friendly Guide with glossary and  warns against discriminatory or inflammatory language. At the same time, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees emphasizes that imprecise terminology can obscure the distinct legal protections owed to refugees under international law, meaning people can undermine or uphold protections that exist in law through words and language.

As public opinions have shifted, service providers must be aware and prepared. There are many reasons why this type of campaign exists, as researchers have been tracking this for decades in terms of opinions on immigration. In 2025, the Canadian Council for Refugees launched a communications campaign about refugees and immigrants. The We’re Better Together campaign was launched to promote a counter-narrative to the recent rise in negative discourse in public domains. At the Association for Canadian Studies, there are recent reports outlining where things stand in 2026 and there is room for participation, engagement, and influence.

At CWICE, we recognize the important role language plays. We also acknowledge that terminology often evolves alongside law, policy, and lived experiences. For example, we’ve transitioned from saying refugee claimant to asylum seeker over the years as this is transitioning in Canada. Remaining informed about respectful terminology, and sharing that with our sector, is part of our role in promoting equitable and culturally responsive services across child welfare. It also reflects our commitment to human rights, people-centred practice, and meaningful collaboration with families and communities. As migration continues to shape communities across Canada, and around the world, the words we choose will continue to matter. Respectful language alone cannot eliminate barriers or inequities, however we believe it can influence how people are perceived, how systems respond, and whether individuals feel that they belong.

To refer to CWICE, please email cwice@peelcas.org

Additional sources for recommended terminology:

We're better together | Canadian Council for Refugees

Canadian Unity : where do things stand? – ACS Metropolis

Canada by the Numbers: Comparing International Public Attitudes on Immigration: Economic Pressures, Integration, and the Future of Migration – ACS Metropolis

About the author:

Danielle Ungara (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker and a dedicated leader known for her creativity, and commitment to excellence and equity in practice. As CWICE Manager, Danielle has brought innovative thinking and strategic leadership to the Centre of Excellence since its inception.