Politicians often use euphemistic language to garner the support of the masses. An example of this in modern-day politics is the language that is used when discussing immigration policies. One common term that is used to refer to immigrants is “illegal aliens.” The word “alien” is deliberately dehumanizing, thereby creating a sense of otherness that distances immigrants from the average American citizen. This rhetoric generally makes it quite easier for people to view immigrants as outsiders or potential threats—certain people to typically be feared instead of human beings seeking more improved opportunities. By framing immigrants in this way, the term reinforces additional harmful stereotypes, fueling misconceptions that they are here to steal jobs or disrupt society rather than contribute to it. I believe a lot of the anti-immigrant animosity is the result of the strategic rhetoric used by powerful and influential politicians, such as Donald Trump. By framing immigration as a "them vs. us" issue, the leaders attempt to unify American citizens by pinning them against innocent people, scaring them into being discriminant. This rhetoric is beyond policy—it is a power move thoughtfully crafted to bring power together, with the leader positioning himself as a protector from a constructed “threat”. By creating a common enemy and presenting themselves as the only way of eliminating that enemy, politicians consolidate a power base that demands loyalty and worship from their followers. This is a tactic intended to generate uncompromising support, not so much based on unity but on fear and exclusion.
