Illegal Alien Dehumanization Pros And Cons

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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. …show more content…

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

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