Pronunciation: [ɪlˈiːɡə͡lz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the term "illegals" is a matter of controversy, with some arguing that it is dehumanizing and stigmatizing. The word is derived from the noun "illegal," which means "contrary to or forbidden by law." The "-s" at the end of the word indicates that it is plural. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be represented as /ɪˈliːɡəlz/, with the stress on the second syllable and the sounds "ih-lee-guhlz."
The term "illegals" is an informal and abbreviated colloquial expression that is used to refer to people who are residing or working in a country without possessing the required legal documentation or authorization. It is often employed as an abbreviation for "illegal immigrants" or "illegal aliens." Generally, this term is used to describe individuals who have entered a country without proper visas, entry permits, or by bypassing established immigration procedures.
"Illegals" is typically deployed to denote a legal status rather than a personal characteristic or trait. It is important to note that the term has been subject to criticism and controversy due to its potential to dehumanize or stigmatize individuals who may be vulnerable or marginalized in society. Critics argue that it reduces complex legal situations to simplistic labels, disregarding the intricacies and individual circumstances of those involved.
The contentious nature of the term and the potential for negative connotations highlight the importance of approaching discussions on immigration and undocumented individuals with sensitivity and respect. Alternative and more neutral expressions such as "undocumented migrants" or "unauthorized immigrants" are often preferred by those seeking to maintain a more compassionate and inclusive dialogue regarding immigration policy and related matters.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
