Biden's substantial reform of immigration law goes down to the very term used to refer to foreign nationals. The word "alien" is found in legislation, official notices, and even the application forms themselves to refer to anyone that is not a U.S. citizen. It is generally understood as an unfriendly term that ostracizes foreign nationals.
The Citizenship Act bill proposes to amend any Federal immigration law text by striking out the word "alien" and replacing it with "noncitizen". Biden has also instructed immigration to use more inclusive language. USCIS has issued memos instructing that the term “alien” be replaced with “noncitizen”, “illegal alien” with “undocumented noncitizen" or "undocumented individual,” and “assimilation” with “integration or civic integration.”
This seemingly simple change is hopefully the start of a positive shift in American immigration politics. Language can go a long way in shaping and perpetuating public perception.
(Immigration laws and policies change regularly. If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule legal consultation.)
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