U.S. immigration enforcement agencies are updating some of their terminologies as the Biden administration sent out a memo with guidance on the preferred and more "inclusive language" that CBP and ICE should consider adopting.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
U.S. immigration enforcement agencies are updating some of their terminologies as the Biden administration sent out a memo with guidance on the preferred and more "inclusive language" that CBP and ICE should consider adopting.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent out a memorandum to KCRA 3 on their changes.
As this guidance is followed by federal immigration agencies, Holly Cooper, co-director of the immigration law clinic at UC Davis School of Law said, "It's interesting because this is coming on the heels of the verdict today that we got in the Chauvin trial, and I think what there is a recognition that the language and the culture of law enforcement can create dehumanization of people."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This is a long-awaited change that immigration advocates have been fighting for.
"The change in language really poses a new change where we're finally recognizing the humanity of these folks," said Edwin Valdez, rapid response coordinator with Sacramento Area Congregations Together.
This guidance is the latest effort by the Biden administration to revert anti-immigrant rhetoric by the previous administration and recognize this country as a nation of immigrants.
"When you have dehumanization of individuals, when you use words like 'illegal' or derogatory words to describe them, you're sort of giving the OK and green light to treat them as less than human," Cooper said.
In response, Customs and Border Protection says they will implement the guidance immediately in both external and internal correspondence and communications.
