New Jersey Assembly Bill A1374

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

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 passage of A1374 would lead to a sweeping change in how state agencies and laws reference individuals based on their immigration status. This includes mandatory updates to all existing laws, regulations, and documents where these terms appear. The bill ensures that executive agencies cease using the outdated terminology in all future communications and formal documents, fostering a more inclusive approach in governmental language and processes. Such changes are expected to influence public perception and contribute to reducing stigma associated with immigration status in the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1374 is a significant legislative measure in New Jersey that aims to revise the language used in state laws to refer to individuals who are not citizens of the United States. The bill proposes replacing the terms 'alien' and 'illegal alien' with 'foreign national' and 'undocumented foreign national' respectively. This change underscores a growing recognition of the need for more respectful and humane language in the context of immigration, aligning with broader national dialogues about immigration reform and human rights.

Contention

While the bill is likely to garner support from immigrant advocacy groups and those promoting social justice, there may be contention regarding its implications. Critics of the bill may argue that such language changes do not address the substantive issues within immigration policy itself. There may also be concerns about how these changes will be implemented and whether they could inadvertently complicate processes related to immigration enforcement and benefits eligibility. Overall, A1374 represents an important step in framing immigration discussions in a manner that emphasizes dignity and personhood.