Virginia lawmaker wants to remove the ‘dehumanizing’ description of ‘alien’ from state code

By Heather Hunter

Published March 4, 2024 6:21pm ET

An effort is underway in the Virginia General Assembly to strike the term “alien” from the state code to describe noncitizens.

“The change might seem symbolic, but it’s an important step to restoring humanity after years of demonization,” Democratic Virginia Del. Alfonso Lopez said. “Simply put, the term is outdated, reflecting prejudices that most Virginians do not hold today.”