FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM

FAIR Supports Rep. Blacks Bill to Maintain the Term Illegal Alien at
the Library of Congress
April 11, 2016

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is encouraging all Members of Congress to become an
original co-sponsor of Congresswoman Diane Blacks bill requiring the Library of Congress to continue using the
terms alien and illegal alien. Last week, at the behest of pro-amnesty groups, the Library of Congress
announced that the heading Illegal aliens will therefore be canceled and replaced by two headings,
Noncitizens and unauthorized immigration, which may be assigned together to describe resources about
people who illegally reside in the country.
The Library of Congresss decision is blatant capitulation to political correctnessreplacing the correct term
illegal alien with terms that are both factually and legally incorrect. The term noncitizen is overly broad and
encompasses individuals who are legally entitled to be in the country, including legal permanent residents
(green card holders) and guest workers. By contrast, illegal aliens have disregarded our immigration laws and
reside in the country unlawfully.
The term illegal alien is the most legally precise, descriptive term in the lexicon. It delineates between one of
only two possible categories; one either has legal status to be on U.S. soil or one is residing here illegally.
Illegal means prohibited by law. Yes, entry without inspection into the U.S. is prohibited. And alien is a term
that refers to a person who is not a citizen of the country. The term is well defined in 8 U.S.C. Section 1101. It is
used by legal professionals across the board including the United States Supreme Court.
Despite what the student-petitioners claimed to the Library of Congress, there is nothing insulting or
dehumanizing about using the term alien to indicate an individual is a non-citizen. Likewise, it is perfectly fitting
to acknowledge that an alien who is residing illegally in the United States has broken the law. To identify
someone as an illegal alien does not imply a value statement about the persons humanity; it simply identifies
the individuals immigration status.
Simply, it is inappropriate for the Library of Congress to unilaterally replace accurate, legal terms with
inaccurate, generalized terms in the name of political correctness. Congresswoman Blacks forthcoming bill
stops this absurd decision by the Library of Congress by mandating the continued use of the terms alien and
illegal alien. FAIR urges you to join Congresswoman Blacks effort to ensure the integrity of terminology
used by the Library of Congress.
To become an original co-sponsor, please contact Jon Toomey of Congresswoman Blacks office. He can be
reached at 202-225-4231 or jon.toomey@mail.house.gov.