A Democratic Colorado state representative wants to do away with the term “illegal alien” in state law because it disparages migrants.
Susan Lontine told the New York Times on Thursday she planned to introduce legislation later this month that would eliminate the term “illegal aliens” from the state’s books. She instead wants lawmakers to use the term “undocumented immigrants.”
Lontine said she blanches when she hears President Trump use “illegal immigrants” during speeches and was further motivated to nix the phrase when a friend of hers found it while training for a new job for the city of Denver.
“She goes: ‘Why are you using that? That’s an awful term,’” Lontine said.
This isn’t the first time a lawmaker has wanted to eliminate the phrase.
Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas introduced legislation in July that would do away with the words “alien” and “illegal alien” from the Immigration and Nationality Act. He instead wants the federal law to use the phrases “foreign national” and “undocumented foreign national.”
“Words matter,” Castro said in a statement. “It’s vital that we respect the dignity of immigrants fleeing violence and prosecution in our language. The words ‘alien’ and ‘illegal alien’ work to demonize and dehumanize the migrant community. They should have no place in our government’s description of human beings.”
“Immigrants come to our borders in good faith and work hard for the opportunity to achieve a better life for themselves and their family,” he added. “Eliminating this language from government expression puts us one step closer to preserving their dignity and ensuring their safety.”
Democrats control Colorado’s Legislature and governorship, potentially allowing the upcoming proposal to face fewer impediments than if Republicans held control.
