Democrats angered by Biden’s use of the term ‘illegal’ while inquiring about the number of Americans killed by undocumented immigrants
President Joe Biden Faces Criticism for Using Term “Illegals” in State of the Union Address
President Joe Biden received backlash from Democratic lawmakers on Thursday after he referred to individuals as “illegals” during his State of the Union speech.
Biden used the term in response to pressure from Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) to mention Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. However, Biden mistakenly referred to her as “Lincoln Riley.”
“Lincoln Riley!” Biden exclaimed. “An innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal. That’s right. But how many of the thousands of people being killed by illegals? To her parents, I say, my heart goes out to you having lost children myself. I understand.”
Despite advocating for amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants and emphasizing the need for Republican support to secure the border, Biden’s use of the term “illegals” did not sit well with many Democrats.
“As a proud immigrant, I’m extremely disappointed to hear President Biden use the word ‘illegal,’” expressed Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL) on Twitter.
“Disappointed that @POTUS would use such dehumanizing right-wing rhetoric to speak about immigrants tonight. No human being is illegal,” stated Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) on Twitter.
“Let me be clear: No human being is illegal,” posted Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) on X after the speech.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, expressed disappointment with Biden’s reference to illegal immigrants. She stated, “I wish he hadn’t engaged with Marjorie Taylor Greene and used the word illegal.”
“Just like we should not be implementing Republican policy, we should not be repeating Republican rhetoric,” remarked Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA).
The Biden administration has previously advocated for eliminating the use of terms like “illegal alien” or “illegal immigrant” in government communication. Instead, they have referred to those who have crossed into the United States illegally as “newcomers” or ”undocumented.”
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“This change is designed to encourage more inclusive language in the agency’s outreach efforts, internal documents, and overall communication with stakeholders, partners, and the general public,” stated the Department of Homeland Security regarding their decision to discontinue the use of the term “illegal alien.”
Biden has faced criticism from Republicans for his handling of the border, with House Republicans even wearing pins that read “Stop The Biden Border Crisis” during the State of the Union.
How does the use of the term “illegals” in the immigration debate contribute to a harmful narrative surrounding immigration?
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The term “illegals” has long been a contentious issue in the immigration debate. Critics argue that it dehumanizes individuals and contributes to a harmful narrative surrounding immigration. Instead, they advocate for using terms like “undocumented immigrants” or “people without legal status.”
President Biden’s use of the term “illegals” in his State of the Union speech has drawn criticism from those who believe it contradicts his administration’s stated commitment to immigration reform and creating a more inclusive society.
Some argue that Biden’s use of the term was a misstep, highlighting the need for more careful language in discussions about immigration. They stress the importance of using language that respects the humanity and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
Proponents of using the term “illegals” argue that it accurately reflects the legal status of individuals who are in the country without proper documentation. They believe that using euphemistic language like “undocumented immigrants” obscures the reality of their immigration status and undermines efforts to enforce immigration laws. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the potential harm caused by dehumanizing language and the negative impact it can have on public perception and policy discussions.
The controversy surrounding President Biden’s use of the term “illegals” highlights the ongoing struggle to find common ground and respectful language in the immigration debate. It serves as a reminder that words matter and can shape public opinion and policy decisions.
Moving forward, it is important for politicians and policymakers to consider the impact of their words and strive to use inclusive language that acknowledges the humanity and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. By doing so, they can foster a more productive and compassionate discussion about immigration reform and work towards creating a society that upholds the values of fairness and justice for all.
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