Virginia lawmaker seeks to eliminate ‘dehumanizing’ term ‘alien’ from state code

Effort Underway in⁣ Virginia General Assembly to Remove Term “Alien” ‌from State Code

An important and ⁤symbolic step ​is being taken in ‌the⁤ Virginia General Assembly ‌to eliminate the term “alien”⁣ from the state code when referring to noncitizens. Democratic ‍Virginia Del. Alfonso Lopez‍ believes that this ⁤change is necessary to restore⁢ humanity and combat years of demonization.‌ He emphasizes that the term is outdated and no longer reflects the attitudes of most Virginians ⁢today.

Del. Lopez, who considers the​ term antiquated, has taken⁤ to social media to explain the new legislation. In a video, he discusses another bill he​ is working on, HB‍ 962, which aims to redefine the​ term “illegal immigrant” in​ the ⁤Virginia code. He argues that the term “alien,” whether used for documented or undocumented immigrants, ​is dehumanizing and has no‍ place in our daily vocabulary or the Virginia code.

Del. Alfonso López‍ has sponsored two bills this legislative session. HB 972 deals⁣ with ⁣Virginia court proceedings involving the⁣ immigration status of defendants,​ while HB 962 involves​ redefining the term “alien” in the‌ Virginia Code.

Here is Del. Alfonso López speaking about two​ of his ⁤bills he⁣ has sponsored this legislative⁤ session!

• HB 972 deals with Virginia court proceedings involving the immigration status of defendants
• HB 962 involves redefining the‍ term “alien” in the Virginia Code

Click here to watch the video.

The‍ HB 962 bill proposes to remove the term “alien” from the Code of Virginia when referring to individuals who are not citizens‌ or nationals of the United​ States. It suggests replacing the term with synonymous language throughout the ⁢code.

Del. Lopez believes that laws should reflect the​ values of society, and removing the term​ “illegal alien” is an important step in fostering ‌an inclusive Commonwealth. He argues that the term has been used as a slur against immigrant and Latino communities and legitimizes that slur as long​ as it ​remains in ⁤the code. He ‌advocates for replacing “alien” with language such as “individual who ⁣is not a citizen ‌or national of the⁤ United​ States.”

The bill has already ‍passed the Virginia House and is currently being reviewed in the Virginia Senate.

What‍ message​ does the removal of the ​term⁢ “alien” from the state code send about Virginia’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness for ​all individuals, regardless‌ of their citizenship status

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The term “alien” has long ⁣been used in legal and ⁢administrative ⁣contexts to describe individuals who are not citizens of a particular country. However, many⁢ believe⁢ that this term carries negative connotations and⁣ can contribute to the stigmatization and marginalization of‌ noncitizens.

Del. Alfonso Lopez,⁤ a ‍Democrat representing Virginia, ‌has introduced legislation in the state’s General Assembly ⁣to⁣ remove the term “alien” from the state code when referring to noncitizens. This effort is part of a broader ​push to promote inclusivity and fairness for all individuals, regardless of their‍ citizenship status.

Lopez‌ argues that⁢ the ⁢term “alien” is outdated and no longer reflects the attitudes and values of​ most Virginians⁢ today. He believes that⁢ it is important to ‌recognize the inherent​ dignity and ‌humanity of ‌all⁣ individuals,‌ regardless of their immigration status.

By removing the term ‌”alien” from the state code,⁤ Lopez ⁢hopes to‍ combat years of demonization and negative stereotypes ⁢associated⁢ with noncitizens. ‍This change, while symbolic, sends a powerful message that Virginia is ⁢committed⁣ to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment⁢ for⁢ all residents.

In recent years, there has ‌been a growing acknowledgment⁢ of the need to address immigration policies in a fair and humane manner. The term⁣ “alien” not‍ only‌ fails⁤ to reflect this evolving understanding but also perpetuates an us-versus-them mentality that ‌goes against the principles of equality and justice.

It is worth noting ​that ‌several other states, including California and ‌New York, ‌have already eliminated the use ‍of the term‌ “alien” in their official documents and legislation. Virginia, ⁢by following their​ example, would join a growing⁤ movement towards more​ inclusive and respectful language⁢ in the realm ‍of⁤ immigration.

However, the proposed change is not without ⁢its critics. Some argue that ‌removing ​the term “alien” could have legal ⁢and administrative implications,‌ as ⁢it is a well-established term in both federal and state law. They fear that eliminating⁢ this term​ could lead to confusion‌ and hinder the⁣ enforcement of immigration​ policies.

Nonetheless,⁤ it is crucial to recognize the importance of language in shaping public ‍perception ⁣and attitudes‍ towards‍ noncitizens. Removing the term “alien” from the state code is a step towards creating a more⁢ compassionate and ⁣understanding society that values the contributions ​and experiences of all individuals, regardless of their origin.

As the ​Virginia General‌ Assembly considers this legislation, it is important for lawmakers to carefully weigh the potential consequences and benefits of this change. By removing⁢ the term “alien,” Virginia ⁤has the opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and equality for all.

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