CA To Nix The Word 'Alien' From State Laws

CALIFORNIA — The word "alien" has been used to define immigrants to the U.S. since 1798. This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law to remove that word from state documents.

The state will replace the word with terms such as "noncitizen" or "immigrant" going forward, according to new legislation authored by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Arleta).

"This important legislation removes the word "alien," which is not only an offensive term for a human being but for far too long has fueled a divisive and hurtful narrative," Newsom said in a statement. "By changing this term, we are ensuring California’s laws reflect our state’s values."

While the word has been used nationally for more than 200 years, California has used the term "alien" since 1937, according to the governor's office.

"In the 1990s, the word “alien” began to be used as a political dog whistle to express bigotry and hatred without using traditionally racist language," according to a statement from Newsom's office. "By 2015, the term was officially replaced with “noncitizen,” however “alien” is still widely used in many aspects of California law."

In April, President Joe Biden also ordered federal immigration agencies to stop using the word "alien," when referring to migrants.

This week, Newsom also signed a suite of other immigration protection laws. One law will require private detention facilities that house and detain immigrants to align with state public health orders and state workplace safety rules. Another law will clarify crimes targeting people because of their immigration status to be classified a hate crime.

In addition, Newsom signed two laws Wednesday to safeguard the privacy of abortion patients and the clinics that provide such services. The new laws aim to elevate the state as one that protects "reproductive freedom," according to Newsom's office.

"California has been a leader in protecting access to sexual and reproductive rights, but as we’ve seen recently with unprecedented attacks on these rights, we can and must do more," Newsom said in a statement.

READ MORE: Newsom Signs Laws To Protect Privacy Of Abortion Patients