Library of Congress’s (LOC) decision to cease the use of the phrase “illegal alien” is a superb action in my opinion. The Dartmouth Coalition for Immigration Reform (CoFIRED), is a group of students, were highly influential in having for this congressional change. I firmly believe the reform they made is necessary because the phrase was dehumanizing to immigrants and promoted hatred. The change has been supported by many organization and has made a significant change in the morale of the immigration community.
The term illegal alien is dehumanizing because the phrase aliens has been used to describe an extraterrestrial being from the outer space. The word “alien” had its origin in science-fiction movies and books. It is no wonder many people find it irritating and offensive when it is used to describe human beings. Even though a person might enter a country illegally, this does not make the person an alien. Most of the time people immigrate to the United State of America to escape from financial and political disasters or fear of prosecution. They are in the united states looking for legal protection. Referring to this people as an illegal alien is inappropriate.
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The phrase creates stigma and hatred towards immigrants making their lives more difficult. It makes it harder for immigrants to get a job. In addition, It creates an unhealthy division in the community creating tension and leading to a mentality of “us against them.” This mentality can only lead to more hate and violence as history has taught us. Therefore, is the phrase not only disrespectful, but it is also a very dangerous phrase. Moreover, the insulting tone of the phrase also promotes racism and it affects immigrants as well as their families and
Ngai, Mae M. Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America. Princeton, N.J. [u.a.: Princeton Univ. Press, 2004. Print.
Alien an unnaturalized foreign resident of a country. Also called noncitizen 2. A person from another and very different family, people, or place 3.A plant or an animal that occurs in or is naturalized in a region to which it is not native
As has been demonstrated by Ochoa and Rios’s findings, labelings’ repercussions are negative and assign expectations that in turn limit life opportunities. In Gonzales and Tobar’s books, we see the over reactions and distorted views that labeling migrants as criminals creates. The repercussions of this is to further propagate fear to quell dissent within the migrant population.
Latino/a immigrants share similar experiences of anti-immigrant rhetoric just like other immigrant groups. Many Latino/as in America have faced negative comments based on their identity. For example, Rush Limbaugh, a radio host, expounds negative comments toward Latino/as, particularly Mexicans. He claimed that Mexicans are “a renegade, potential[ly] criminal element” that is “unwilling to work” (Media Matters for America, 2/28/06). These malice comments were similar to that of other immigrants. As other immigrant groups of non-English descent started arriving in America, there was an immigrant phobia towards the newcomers. During the mid-1700s, Benjamin Franklin said ...
Nill, A. (2011). Latinos and s.b. 1070: Demonization, dehumanization, and disenfranchisement. Harvard Latino Law Review, 14, 35-66.
Odegaard, Gregory A. "A Yes Or No Answer: A Plea To End The Oversimplification Of The Debate On Licensing Aliens." Journal Of Law & Politics 24.4 (2008): 435-473. America: History and Life with Full Text. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.
Immigration has been a topic that people have struggled to accept for centuries. The questions often asked are, what are we going to do about it? And should we allow them in? The problem here is that technically most Americans were immigrants at one point unless they are Native American. With every new wave of immigrants, there is a reemergence of fears that control our views. Both David Cole and Barry R. Chiswick agree to allow immigration and convey that the views most people hold aren't properly based on real evidence.
What would it be like to wake up everyday knowing you would get bullied, mistreated, and/or abused just because of where you were born? Discrimination still exists! “Discrimination remains and there is an increase in hate crimes against Hispanics, Latinos and Mexican-Americans, as one of the perceived symbols of that discrimination, the U.S.-Mexico Border Fence, nears completion. Instead of pulling together in these difficult times, we may see a greater polarization of attitudes” (Gibson). But why are hate crimes increasing towards Latin and Hispanic aliens and what types of discrimination are occurring against them? Understanding violence towards the Hispanic and Latin alien is divided into three main classes; the difference between legal and illegal aliens, the attacks and effects, and the point of view of different people towards aliens.
When thinking about a family member being removed from a country because that was not there place of origin, is a sickening thought. This thought crosses the minds of immigrant’s every day. Being an immigrant in the United States was supposed to be welcoming and an abundant of opportunity; now they receiver scrutiny and embarrassment from thousands of Americans, jobs are scarce, and when they do find jobs they receive low compensation. This country was fabricated from immigrants and people fleeing genocide; however, that time has changed and our borders are now closed. Taking a look in to the opposing side, there are many reasons why border control is imperative. Take into account that there
However, others may disagree, but in addition to lacking nce their arguments are also insignificant. Although there is a controversy on this matter, America should welcome immigrants that are already here. Immigrants may earn legal status as well as cost just as much or less than deportation. But, so what? Why is this notable? Well, here’s why, the future is on the line and we have to take charge. If leading undocumented immigrants to a path to citizenship, includes all of the previously mentioned advantages, there is no point to do otherwise. If we don’t go through with this, imagine the troublesome possibilities, imagine the costs, imagine the risks. It is necessary to lead undocumented immigrants to a path to citizenship, and your help is needed. Share this essay, spread the outlook, get involved, and do what you can to make sure, we are where we need to be in our
country. Along with them sneaking into the United States, there has also been a lot of disrespect and violence towards the undocumented immigrants. In reality, the American people don 't realize that these immigrants are in search of a better life in a country where they can live comfortably without being harassed by the corrupt government. There have also been children trying to sneak into the United States to avoid the corruption and frightening circumstances in Mexico. Undocumented immigrant students should not have limits on their education and should be treated with equality because it 's not fair to treat a student differently only because they were not born
Immigration has always and will always be an essential part of America’s demographic and cultural diversity. Our country was founded on the immigration of Europeans to the New World; without them our nation would not be as advanced as it is today. Over the past three centuries, America’s immigration policies have evolved, both positively and negatively. Although we are moving forward, several episodes in our country’s immigration policy have targeted and attacked certain ethnic or cultural groups. Throughout America there is disparity regarding attitudes toward immigrants. Policies fluctuate throughout the entire country, different states, and even major cities. As the United States moves forth, it is vital that we remember how crucial immigrants
Ngai, Mae M. 2004 “Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America” Publisher: Princeton University Press.
...ol.” Debates on Immigration. Ed Judith Gans, Elaine M. Repogle, and Daniel J. Tichenor. Thousand Oaks, CA SAGE Reference, 2012: 144. Gale Virtual Library. Web. 22 Apr, 2014.
What really is an illegal immigrant? It is defined as “an alien (non-citizen) who has entered a country without government authorization or remained beyond the expiration date of a visa”.