Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton's use of the term "illegal alien" during a campaign stop in New Hampshire last month has drawn scrutiny from immigrant activists, who insist that no human being is "illegal" and prefer the term "undocumented" for the millions who live in the United States without the benefit of legal immigration status.

During the event, the former New York senator had touted her votes to build a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border as proof that she supports "a barrier to prevent illegal immigrants from coming [into the country]," the New York Post recalled. But once controversy arose over her terminology, Clinton was quick to apologize to the Hispanic community, a key electorate in the 2016 election.

"That was a poor choice of words," the former secretary of state wrote in a Facebook chat, according to the tabloid. "The people at the heart of this issue are children, parents, families, DREAMers. They have names, and hopes and dreams that deserve to be respected."

The presidential candidate also reminded her supporters that she has "talked about undocumented immigrants hundreds of times" and has "fought for years for comprehensive immigration reform," the New York Post added.

Clinton's apology and clarification came in response to a question from immigration activist Jose Antonio Vargas, whose group is propelling a campaign asking presidential candidates to promise not to use the phrase "illegal immigrants," Yahoo Politics noted.

"On behalf of the organization I founded, Define American, and the 11.7 million undocumented immigrants in this country - including myself - I am asking all the presidential candidates to recognize that #wordsmatter by committing to not using the term 'illegal' when referencing the undocumented population," Vargas explained in the chat session with Clinton.

He then ask Clinton whether she would "make that commitment," which the candidate, in turn, said she would.

"We are a country built by immigrants and our diversity makes us stronger as a nation - it's something to be proud of, celebrate, and defend," the former first lady assured in her reply.