Banning The Phrase "Illegal Alien"?

[schplurg]

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070227/NEWS01/70227062/1075

"I personally find the word 'alien' offensive when applied to individuals, especially to children," said Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami. "An alien to me is someone from out of space."Try looking up the word in a dictionary then. Out of space? That's what California will be soon...out of space ;). Funny, I've never met anyone from another planet.
In Miami-Dade County, Wilson said, "we don't say 'alien,' we say 'immigrant.'"That is because you people are idiots (as we already know).

Websters definition of the term "immigrant":
"a person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence"

Websters definition of the term "alien":
"relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government"

I understand that it is difficult to immigrate without being illegal at some point. But that doesn't make it any less illegal. I'm from California and most people running across our border are not attempting to do things legally. I see fake ID's every single day at my job. That is illegal, no matter what the excuse is.

"'Illegal,' I can live with, but I like 'undocumented' better," she said.Is she speaking for herself, or for the illegals? I don't hear them complaining about it.

Shall we also refer to bank robbers as "unauthorized borrowers"? How many tax dollars is this woman wasting with this effort? When will the politically correct pendulum start to swing the other way?

Undocumented Immigrant? Almost sounds legal, doesn't it? "He's an immigrant but we've misplaced his documents, that's all". Huh?

Illegal Alien.

Asked if her bill (SB 2154) might run afoul of Gov. Charlie Crist's "plain speaking" mandate for government agencies, Wilson said, "I think getting rid of 'alien' would be plain speaking.":rolleyes:

This isn't about how fair or difficult immigrating is, it's about a term that will take some of the illegal-ness out of...uh...illegal-ness!!! It's ************

Illegal Alien. It's correct. Use it. Love it.
She said she encountered the situation when trying to pass a bill allowing children of foreigners to get in-state tuition at colleges and universities.:mad:

Who the hell elected this tree stump? I'm starting to believe we should abandon voting and adopt a simple coin-toss method of electing these people. The odds of getting government officials that will actually do their jobs may improve.

Lady, you are a "documented idiot".

[Mephisto]

I always thought the term illegal alien applied to the guy in the first "Men in Black" that Tommy Lee Jones caught trying to cross the Mexican/American border. You remember, the one who couldn't speak Spanish. . . :)

As much as I agree with you regarding the unfortunate term, the name change wouldn't do much to help the image of undocumented immigrants who often suffer criminal actions at the hands of American xenophobes. I guess it's going to be REALLY bad for undocumented immigrant, Mexican Jews (a two for one sale).

llegal immigrants spur rise in hate groups

Hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan are gaining traction across North Carolina and the nation because of mounting frustration with immigration issues, according to a national watchdog organization that monitors extremist activity.

The Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Alabama reports that the number of hate groups in the United States rose by 33 percent from 2000 to 2005, and North Carolina went from having 27 to 35 such groups in the same period.

"This is growth that's been quite significant and steady," said Mark Potok, director of the project. "It's quite clear that it's driven almost entirely by the immigration issue."

Potok said hate group rhetoric has shifted its focus from anti-Semitism to immigration in the last few years. He said the issue is a better recruiting device in light of nationwide anti-immigrant sentiments.

http://media.www.dailytarheel.com/media/storage/paper885/news/2007/02/16/StateNational/Illegal.Immigrants.Spur.Rise.In.Hate.Groups-2724833.shtml
______________

Anti-immigrant sentiments fuel Ku Klux Klan resurgence

Long stuck in splintered obscurity, the group is seeing an increase in activity and a return to its nativist origins.

The Ku Klux Klan appears to be on the rise again after years of irrelevance and splintered obscurity.

"Due to the successful exploitation of hot-button issues," the Klan has seen "a surprising and troubling resurgence," states a new report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Gay marriage and urban crime are part of the picture. But, in particular, it is the debate over what to do about the nation's nearly 35 million immigrants, of whom about 11 million are in the US illegally, that has become the Klan's main recruiting tool.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0209/p02s02-ussc.html
___________

I find it extremely interesting that the "illegal alien" issue suddenly popped up when the war in Iraq lost its popularity - red herring for dinner anyone?

[Ladewig]

Distinguishing between illegal and legal aliens is both useful and necessary. The ones who break the law to get into this country are, by definition, illegal. Let the phrase stand.

[Legalduck]

I work for Immigration and customs enforcement. There is a legal distinction under the Immigration and Nationality Act between many of the terms mentioned. Alien refers to anyone born outside the United States who has not acquired US citizenship by naturalization or acquisition at birth. An immigrant is an alien entering the US who granted residency upon entry. While we use the term illegal alien all the time, the INA doesn't use that exact phrasing.

The term alien isn't insulting and isn't meant to be insulting. If I go to Canada, I'm the alien.

Anyway, most illegal aliens aren't looking for a politically correct phrase. They're looking for immigration reform.

[Mephisto]

I work for Immigration and customs enforcement. There is a legal distinction under the Immigration and Nationality Act between many of the terms mentioned. Alien refers to anyone born outside the United States who has not acquired US citizenship by naturalization or acquisition at birth. An immigrant is an alien entering the US who granted residency upon entry. While we use the term illegal alien all the time, the INA doesn't use that exact phrasing.

The term alien isn't insulting and isn't meant to be insulting. If I go to Canada, I'm the alien.

Anyway, most illegal aliens aren't looking for a politically correct phrase. They're looking for immigration reform.

Thanks for the clarification of the terms. :)

It still won't help the plight of those likely affected by the KKK. We could call them "Candidates for Citizenship" and it wouldn't change a thing with regards to groups who base their bigotry on racial hatred.

[bob_kark]

A Senator from Miami pandering to the Hispanic community? :shocked: That almost sounds like a President I know...

[rikzilla]

Meph,

The internet has done more to fuel the return of the KKK than any "hot button issues". So you ready to ban the internet? Besides; does not even the KKK enjoy free speech rights? Their participation in public debate is guaranteed under the Constitution...so I don't really see your point.

-z

[Bob Klase]

The next step is to ban the phrases "stupid", "ignorant" and "dumba**". Then we'll have to refer to Sen. Frederica Wilson as definition challenged.

[Darth Rotor]

Meph,

The internet has done more to fuel the return of the KKK than any "hot button issues". So you ready to ban the internet? Besides; does not even the KKK enjoy free speech rights? Their participation in public debate is guaranteed under the Constitution...so I don't really see your point.

-z
This is the old "I've said it once and I'll say it again, and again" rhetorical device.

Why does your browser hate you?

Trip posts suck.

DR

[Francesca R]

Decent book on this subject (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/product-description/0349119244/ref=dp_proddesc_0/203-3010857-2934340?ie=UTF8&n=266239&s=books). (I can't think of a better recommendation than the review by Alastair Campbell: "Crap from start to finish") :)

I can't remember when it happened but I was amused upon realising that the immigration channels at airports in the USA had changed from labelling my line "Aliens" into "Visitors". I was bowled over with fuzziness at the welcoming warmth of my transatlantic cousins. When, a few years later, they started wanting fingerprints and a mugshot it hardly dented my eagerness to hug the black-clad passport guys.

[Darat]

I'm all for banning all references to and criminalising anyone associated with "Illegal Alien" (http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Genesis/Illegal-Alien.html)!

[Mephisto]

Meph,

The internet has done more to fuel the return of the KKK than any "hot button issues". So you ready to ban the internet? Besides; does not even the KKK enjoy free speech rights? Their participation in public debate is guaranteed under the Constitution...so I don't really see your point.

-z

You're right of course about the KKK using the internet to spread their word with ease, and you're also right about free speech, but there is a difference between freedom of expression and hate crimes. Maybe you didn't catch this (from the article I quoted - emphasis obviously mine).


"This is growth that's been quite significant and steady," said Mark Potok, director of the project. "It's quite clear that it's driven almost entirely by the immigration issue."

Potok said hate group rhetoric has shifted its focus from anti-Semitism to immigration in the last few years. He said the issue is a better recruiting device in light of nationwide anti-immigrant sentiments.

http://media.www.dailytarheel.com/media/storage/paper885/news/2007/02/16/StateNational/Illegal.Immigrants.Spur.Rise.In.Hate.Groups-2724833.shtml

It's clear that these watchdogs of White Supremacy have been tossed another bone and are running with it (they apparently love red-herring). Their ilk is apparently less concerned with actual citizenship and more likely to make a judgement based on skin color, clothing or lack of expertise with the English language. They are, after all, motivated by racial hatred.

[Mephisto]

Decent book on this subject (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/product-description/0349119244/ref=dp_proddesc_0/203-3010857-2934340?ie=UTF8&n=266239&s=books). (I can't think of a better recommendation than the review by Alastair Campbell: "Crap from start to finish") :)

I can't remember when it happened but I was amused upon realising that the immigration channels at airports in the USA had changed from labelling my line "Aliens" into "Visitors". I was bowled over with fuzziness at the welcoming warmth of my transatlantic cousins. When, a few years later, they started wanting fingerprints and a mugshot it hardly dented my eagerness to hug the black-clad passport guys.

It looks like a really interesting book, although I'll have to admit I was confused by Campbell's review. Language is often used offensively without many people knowing it, and I think that this is definitely the case with "illegal alien." Although it may be a legal term, I somehow can't help but think that most people picture an illegal alien as a dark-skinned, poverty-ridden, Mexican carrying a few belongings along with a couple of gallons of water.

I'll have to put this book on my "must read" list - I'm sure it addresses how and why the feeble-minded (like the KKK) buy into the rhetoric. Thanks. :)

[Mephisto]

I'm all for banning all references to and criminalising anyone associated with "Illegal Alien" (http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Genesis/Illegal-Alien.html)!

I had forgotten about this Genesis song until you posted the link, Darat. I'm sure "illegal alien" carries different connotations in the UK, but I'm also sure they are just as injurious to those suffering the stigma. It's also worth noting that these lyrics were written long before the current fad of hating illegal immigrants.

[Tailgater]

I'm for changing "space aliens" to "planet challenged beings" instead.

[Francesca R]

It looks like a really interesting book, although I'll have to admit I was confused by Campbell's review.Well it rails against "spin" . . .

Language is often used offensively without many people knowing it, and I think that this is definitely the case with "illegal alien."Indeed. (Legal) "alien" was hard to perceive as much other than generally unwelcoming, to say the least, on pitching up at US immigration. Mainly because it is itself a wierd word for the Americans to choose. "Foreigner" sounds nearer the mark.

[Mephisto]

I'm for changing "space aliens" to "planet challenged beings" instead.

:) But only if they come from a planet that was destroyed by a comet, a virus or invasion by a drakonian civilization bent on ruling the universe. ;)

[steverino]

I think the term "KKK" gives that group an unfair stigma. How about "Sheeted Protesters After Minorities" or "SPAM."

Four KKK members would then be "SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, & SPAM."

[Quixote]

I find it strange that anyone would object more to "alien" than he does to "illegal". I don't see how a person can be considered illegal. An alien here without a greencard or proper visa is here illegally, but he isn't himself illegal. His actions are illegal, not him. Label the sin, not the sinner, to coin a phrase.

[Tailgater]

I find it strange that anyone would object more to "alien" than he does to "illegal". I don't see how a person can be considered illegal. An alien here without a greencard or proper visa is here illegally, but he isn't himself illegal. His actions are illegal, not him. Label the sin, not the sinner, to coin a phrase.

While literally I agree with this, I don't think "alien criminal" would go over too well in the PC world.

[Upchurch]

I find the short-hand of just calling people "illegals" (dropping the "aliens") a little annoying*. It's too vague. Anyone who breaks the law could be rightly termed an "illegal".


* annoyed enough to post about about but not enough to actually do anything about it.

[Legalduck]

While literally I agree with this, I don't think "alien criminal" would go over too well in the PC world.

Anway, the term "criminal alien" generally used for aliens facing removal (formerly called deportation) for criminal convictions. Most aliens who entered illegally are never criminally charged, eventhough illegal entry is a misdemeanor under federal law. They're merely placed into immigration proceedings.

[UserGoogol]

I admit this might sound like a sort of tax-evader lamely pedantic question, but is the act of crossing the border (or staying within the country after your visa expires) literally a criminal offense, or is it merely that being a non-citizen without a visa is a legally sufficient reason for the government to deport you?

If it is the latter, (I admit I don't know either way, I'll see if I can look it up somewhere) then the word "illegal" seems inappropriate to me. Non-legal yes, but not illegal.

ETA: Oshi, the previous poster answered my question. Ah well. Perhaps people within the "stay in the country after your visa expires" catagory aren't criminals.

[Art Vandelay]

If it is the latter, (I admit I don't know either way, I'll see if I can look it up somewhere) then the word "illegal" seems inappropriate to me. Non-legal yes, but not illegal.I don't see why not. A parking ticket is not, technically, a "criminal" matter, but the car is still illegally parked.

ETA: Oshi, the previous poster answered my question. Ah well. Perhaps people within the "stay in the country after your visa expires" catagory aren't criminals.Well, he said that entering illegally is a misdemeamor, not that overstaying a visa is not a crime. BTW, as I recall, illegal entry can be a felony is some case, such as if done after being deported for a previous felony.

[UserGoogol]

I don't see why not. A parking ticket is not, technically, a "criminal" matter, but the car is still illegally parked.

The question is whether illegal immigrants have actually broken actual "rules." Even if a parking ticket is not criminal, it is still against the rules. The poster immediately before me said yes, there are actual rules against being an undocumented worker, so ah well.