concentration camp

before using this term, be aware of the current controversies and emotions surrounding it. In the past, its use has been restricted to its primary meaning ("a camp where prisoners of war, enemy aliens, and political prisoners are detained and confined, typically under harsh conditions," American Heritage Dictionary) and, more specifically, to camps under the Nazi regime, when Jews, Roma, gays, and others were heinously imprisoned and murdered. The internment of Japanese citizens as enemy aliens would seem to qualify for the use of "concentration camps," but there are objections, primarily by those who believe the term is unique to the Nazi concentration camps. The government-run facilities packed with migrant detainees near the U.S.-Mexico border are considered by some to be concentration camps. The White House speaks of those detainees as enemy aliens; denying soap and sleep to children could be considered "harsh conditions." The discussion is not over. Approach the use of this term with some caution and background information. You might also include the definition to support your use. See also "final solution," Gestapo/gestapo, Hitler/little Hitler, Holocaust/holocaust, Nazi/nazi.