The Associated Press Updates Its Stylebook, Still Clings to I-Word, Colorlines, 11/10/11
Entering the US without authorization or “papers” is a misdemeanor (For comparison sake, some other misdemeanors include public intoxication, disorderly conduct or vandalism). Yet, stereotypes of undocumented immigrants as criminals persist and the use of the word “illegal” to describe these individuals has become mainstream practice.
Entering the US without authorization or “papers” is a misdemeanor (For comparison sake, some other misdemeanors include public intoxication, disorderly conduct or vandalism). Yet, stereotypes of undocumented immigrants as criminals persist and the use of the word “illegal” to describe these individuals has become mainstream practice.
Colorlines has provided insightful reporting on the history and current use of the term “illegal” in US media and political discourse and how it has shaped attitudes towards immigrants. This week, they report that the Associated Press’ style guidelines have been updated, dropping the use of “illegal aliens” or “illegals”, but endorsing the use of “illegal immigrant.” The AP claims that this term is accurate and neutral. Colorlines provides convincing arguments for why this term is not neutral and provides a link to the AP’s comments page. Take a moment to urge the AP to drop “illegal immigrant.”
The use of the term “illegal immigrant” has confined individuals to a single identity – one that implies criminality. How a person entered this country haunts all other aspects of his or her life, aspects which include constitutionally protected rights. Regardless of person’s immigration status, it is not illegal to attend school. It is not illegal to seek medical care. It is not illegal to seek better working conditions. And, it is never illegal to pay taxes.
Beyond portraying immigrants as criminals, “illegal immigrant” imparts blame. This term fails to acknowledge the role of government and society in creating a class of people who must live outside of the law and without full legal protections. The reason why someone is undocumented has as much to do with the laws and policies of the US as it does with his or her individual choice to be in the US without authorization. I strongly support Colorlines’s effort to put pressure on media to stop the use of the I-word. Why not go a step forward and create a word that puts a bit more responsibility on our country’s immigration system, not just on its immigrants? How about “immigrants denied access to citizenship” or “US residents not granted full legal rights”? Other suggestions?
Language is powerful because it shapes and reflects social attitudes and influences how policymakers think about and act on issues related to immigrants and their well-being. As we have seen in past and recent policies, terms referring to people as “illegal” has helped to justify the denial of education, medical care and safe working conditions for undocumented immigrants. In addition, this term is both a cause of and a symptom of an increasingly xenophobic culture in our country which subjects immigrants and people of color to harmful discrimination. In our fight for policies that promote justice and protect the health of immigrants, we must also consider how we speak and write. Even though the AP has yet to change its language, we can. Justice can and make sure that it is done in a linguistically just manner.
Language is powerful because it shapes and reflects social attitudes and influences how policymakers think about and act on issues related to immigrants and their well-being. As we have seen in past and recent policies, terms referring to people as “illegal” has helped to justify the denial of education, medical care and safe working conditions for undocumented immigrants. In addition, this term is both a cause of and a symptom of an increasingly xenophobic culture in our country which subjects immigrants and people of color to harmful discrimination. In our fight for policies that promote justice and protect the health of immigrants, we must also consider how we speak and write. Even though the AP has yet to change its language, we can. Justice can and make sure that it is done in a linguistically just manner.
In Other News:
Russel Pearce Recalled, HUFFPO, 11/8/11
The architect of the AZ SB1070, the law that started the wave of state level anti-immigrant legislation, has been recalled. Many view the recall as a sign from voters that extreme intolerance will not be tolerated.
The architect of the AZ SB1070, the law that started the wave of state level anti-immigrant legislation, has been recalled. Many view the recall as a sign from voters that extreme intolerance will not be tolerated.
Immigration authorities push compliance program for businesses as enforcement actions rise, Washington Post, 11/13/11
Because of rise in enforcement actions against employers, more are voluntarily joining the ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) Program. There is pressure from Department of Homeland Security for more businesses to join this program, which requires enrollment in E-Verify and allows the Federal government to review employee information.
Because of rise in enforcement actions against employers, more are voluntarily joining the ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) Program. There is pressure from Department of Homeland Security for more businesses to join this program, which requires enrollment in E-Verify and allows the Federal government to review employee information.
Deportations Under New U.S. Policy Are Inconsistent, New York Times, 11/12/11
A report, based on a sample of 252 deportation cases, by American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Immigration Council, found that “the overwhelming conclusion is that most ICE offices have not changed their practices since the issuance of these new directives.” The report also found that training for ICE officers has been lacking. Janet Napolitano and John Morton, director of ICE, stated that more time is needed to shift a law enforcement culture where all undocumented are seen as targets for deportation to one that works on “sound prosecutorial practice.”
A report, based on a sample of 252 deportation cases, by American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Immigration Council, found that “the overwhelming conclusion is that most ICE offices have not changed their practices since the issuance of these new directives.” The report also found that training for ICE officers has been lacking. Janet Napolitano and John Morton, director of ICE, stated that more time is needed to shift a law enforcement culture where all undocumented are seen as targets for deportation to one that works on “sound prosecutorial practice.”
Driving Undocumented Parents Underground Hurts Students, Colorlines, 11/4/11
A study of 4,780 adult children of Mexican and Asian immigrants in Southern California found that those whose parents were undocumented finished two fewer years of school than students whose parents had legal status. Other research has shown that individuals with higher levels of education are healthier over the course of their lives, in part due to their access to better economic opportunities and resources.
A study of 4,780 adult children of Mexican and Asian immigrants in Southern California found that those whose parents were undocumented finished two fewer years of school than students whose parents had legal status. Other research has shown that individuals with higher levels of education are healthier over the course of their lives, in part due to their access to better economic opportunities and resources.
Border patrol agents use unconstitutional tactics: report, Thompson Reuters, 11/9/11
A report by the New York ACLU and other civil rights groups has demonstrated that Border Patrol agents in upstate New York use unconstitutional tactics to make immigration arrests. These include riding trains and buses to target passengers and make raids on trains and buses and harassment of permanent residents up to 100 miles from the state’s Canadian border.
A report by the New York ACLU and other civil rights groups has demonstrated that Border Patrol agents in upstate New York use unconstitutional tactics to make immigration arrests. These include riding trains and buses to target passengers and make raids on trains and buses and harassment of permanent residents up to 100 miles from the state’s Canadian border.
