(OPINION) ETH– Employees from two of the main U.S. immigration enforcement agencies have been informed to stop referring to migrants as “aliens,” because it is said to be a dated term that many people consider offensive. According to the report,
Memos were issued by Customs and Border Protection, as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, recommending that agents choose to use the words “non-citizen” or “migrant.” instead of “illegal alien” This new change reflects guidelines set by the Biden administration, in efforts to reverse many of the anti-immigrant policies of former President Donald Trump.
According to the report from the Washington Times, Instead of “illegal aliens,” which was still being used by some government officials in press releases and elsewhere, the employees of CBP and ICE are being advised to use “undocumented noncitizen” or “undocumented individual,” according to the memos.
Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller warned that the directives were absolutely necessary to “set a tone and example” at an agency that includes the Border Patrol. “We enforce our nation’s laws while also maintaining the dignity of every individual with whom we interact,” Miller said. “The words we use matter and will serve to further confer that dignity to those in our custody.”
