Lawmakers in some U.S. states want to retire terms for immigrants such as “alien,” which remain in widespread use in many state statutes.
Immigrants and immigrant-rights groups say the term, especially when combined with “illegal,” is dehumanizing and can have a harmful effect on immigration policy.
State Sen. Julie Gonzales, who co-sponsored the new Colorado law, said during a legislative committee hearing that words such as “illegal” were “dehumanizing and derogatory” when applied to immigrants. Gonzales said the legislation aimed to remove the only place in Colorado statute where “illegal alien” was used to describe people living in the U.S. illegally.
Sage Naumann, spokesperson for the Colorado Senate Republicans, said the Democratic-controlled Legislature should be spending its time on matters of deeper importance to residents, such as taking steps to fight inflation, tackle crime and improve education. Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott objected, writing to others in the agency that the edict contradicted language in criminal statutes — although Miller made an exception for legal documents — and plunged the agency into a partisan debate. Scott, a Trump-era appointee, refused to sign off on the order and believes his outspokenness on that and other issues contributed to him being forced out of his position in June.
This is the text of a Texas bill seeking to prohibit ownership of agricultural land by someone who is not a U.S. citizen, or by a foreign business or government. The AP has highlighted the word 'alien' to illustrate its use in state documents. After fleeing violence in El Salvador, she spent roughly 16 months in an immigration detention center in California before arriving at a refugee home in Texas in 2016. She was determined to find a job while she sought asylum but had lost her work visa after her protected status expired.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South African scientists detect new virus variant amid spike | AP NewsJOHANNESBURG (AP) — A new coronavirus variant has been detected in South Africa that scientists say is a concern because of its high number of mutations and rapid spread among young people in Gauteng, the country's most populous province, Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced Thursday.
Read more »
Thai chain's cannabis pizza: trendy but won't get you high | AP NewsOne of Thailand’s major fast food chains is promoting its “Crazy Happy Pizza,” topped with a cannabis leaf. It’s legal but won’t get you high. Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia to remove parts of cannabis from its controlled narcotics list.
Read more »
US lawmakers meet with Taiwan president in surprise visit | AP NewsFive U.S. lawmakers met with Taiwan's president during a surprise visit intended to reaffirm the United States' support for the self-governing island. The visit comes as tensions between Taiwan and China have risen to their highest level in decades.
Read more »
As Europe virus cases surge, UK plows on with its new normal | AP NewsAs several European nations tighten up to combat a spike in coronavirus infections, life in Britain is almost back to normal. Not for the first time in the pandemic, Britain is out of step with many of its neighbors. This time, it’s happy to be different.
Read more »
Stores kick off Black Friday but pandemic woes linger | AP NewsNEW YORK (AP) — Retailers are expected to usher in the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season Friday with bigger crowds than last year in a closer step toward normalcy. But the fallout from the pandemic continues to weigh on businesses and shoppers' minds.
Read more »
Hondurans weary of corruption look for change in election | AP NewsTEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) — For many Hondurans, Sunday’s election will be about stripping power from a party whose successive administrations are widely seen as having deepened corruption and driven tens of thousands to flee the country, many toward the United States.
Read more »