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 “Simply put, the term is outdated, reflecting prejudices that most Virginians do not hold today.”
Lopez, who called the term antiquated, made a social media video explaining the new legislation.
“Another bill I’m working on is HB 962, regarding the term ‘illegal immigrant‘ in the Virginia code. The term ‘alien’ when referred to immigrants whether documented or undocumented is dehumanizing at face value,” he said.
The Arlington Democrat added, “The term has no place in our daily vocabulary and certainly does not have a place in the Virginia code.”
The HB 962 bill proposes to remove “the term ‘alien’ as it pertains to persons who are not citizens or nationals of the United States and replaces it with synonymous language, as appropriate, throughout the Code of Virginia.”
“Laws reflect the values of society and if we value inclusive language, removing the term ‘illegal alien’ would be a so very important step in fostering an inclusive Commonwealth,” the Virginia delegate said.
Lopez said that in recent years, the term “illegal alien” has been used as a “slur” toward immigrant and Latino communities.
“We legitimize that slur every day it remains in our code,” he said. “The term is outdated.”
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Lopez would like to see “alien” replaced with language such as “individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States.”
The bill passed the Virginia House on Feb. 12 and was read for the third time in the Virginia Senate on Mar. 4.
