“The message that ICE is sending to immigrants and their communities by changing the phrasing is that they are going to treat such persons not as human beings but as criminals.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has maintained its use of the term “alien” when referring to noncitizens, pointing to statutory requirements. The decision has sparked backlash over the Trump administration’s language regarding immigration policy, with critics claiming that such terminology dehumanizes individuals. DHS officials have defended the usage as consistent with existing laws. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidance directs staff to use “alien” and “alienage,” replacing Biden-era “noncitizen” terminology.
DHS stated, “‘Undocumented immigrant’ is the immigration equivalent of ‘they/them.’ DHS has no interest in the left’s open borders pronouns. ‘Alien’ is the technical legal term, and that is what DHS will use.”
DHS added, “‘Illegal’ is the only way to correctly describe lawbreakers. Next thing you know you will be calling burglars ‘undocumented houseguests.’ ‘Alien’ is the technical legal term, and that is what DHS will use.”
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) updated its policy manual to match the terminology, reflecting statutes that use “aliens” for admissibility, deportation, crimes, and public benefits eligibility.
Critics said the change stigmatizes immigrants and hints at harsher treatment, while supporters have argued it aligns with U.S. Code and clarifies program language. Immigration advocates have continued advocating for “noncitizen” or “undocumented” terminology, despite the changes.
Immigration Lawyer Hector Díaz said, “The message that ICE is sending to immigrants and their communities by changing the phrasing is that they are going to treat such persons not as human beings but as criminals.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/dhs-uses-terms-alien-and-illegal-despite-backlash/ss-AA1LwCtG
