New Jersey Assembly Bill A3333

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22

Caption

Replaces references to "alien" and "illegal alien" in statutes with "foreign national" and "undocumented foreign national," respectively; prohibits use of those terms by executive branch agencies.

Impact

The impact of A3333 is significant as it modifies how state laws categorize individuals based on their immigration status. By replacing outdated and potentially derogatory terms, the bill promotes a more humane approach to immigration policy in the state. The changes could influence how various state agencies communicate with the public and process cases involving foreign nationals, potentially leading to shifts in policy implementation and public perception regarding undocumented individuals.

Summary

Bill A3333 proposes to amend existing state laws by replacing references to 'alien' and 'illegal alien' with 'foreign national' and 'undocumented foreign national', respectively. This legislative change aims to adopt more inclusive and neutral terminology when addressing individuals who are not citizens, while aligning state laws with the evolving national discourse on immigration issues. The bill seeks to clarify the definitions used in various statutes, ensuring that language respects the dignity of all individuals regardless of their immigration status.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the debate over immigration language in state statutes and its implications. Supporters argue that the bill reflects a more modern and respectful understanding of immigration, while critics may view the changes as unnecessary or indicative of a broader trend of leniency toward undocumented immigration. This legislation has the potential to draw challenges from groups that favor stricter immigration control, as well as those advocating for immigration reform.