Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has spoken out against the use of the term “illegal alien,” arguing that such language diminishes the humanity of immigrants who lack legal status. The mayor’s comments highlight ongoing debates about immigration terminology and how language shapes public perception of migrants.
Johnson specifically stated that referring to someone as an “illegal alien” removes their humanity, suggesting that such terminology reduces people to their immigration status rather than recognizing them as complete human beings with dignity and worth.
Language and Immigration Policy
The mayor’s stance reflects a growing movement among immigration advocates and some government officials to shift away from terms like “illegal alien” or “illegal immigrant.” Many now prefer terms such as “undocumented immigrant,” “unauthorized migrant,” or simply “immigrant without legal status.”
This language debate extends beyond mere semantics. Critics of terms like “illegal alien” argue that:
- No person is inherently “illegal” – only actions can be illegal
- The term “alien” creates unnecessary othering and distance
- Such language can contribute to dehumanization and discrimination
Supporters of traditional terminology counter that these terms accurately reflect legal classifications and that changing language doesn’t change legal realities.
Chicago’s Immigration Stance
Mayor Johnson’s comments align with Chicago’s broader approach to immigration. The city has long maintained its status as a sanctuary city, limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities and providing various protections for immigrants regardless of their legal status.
Chicago has received thousands of migrants bused from border states in recent years, creating both humanitarian challenges and opportunities for the city. Johnson’s administration has worked to provide shelter, food, and other services to these new arrivals.
“When you strip away the humanity of a person by calling them ‘illegal,’ you’ve already created a dynamic where that individual is ‘less than,'” Johnson explained in his remarks.
The mayor’s position reflects his administration’s focus on treating all Chicago residents with dignity, regardless of how they arrived in the United States.
National Context
Johnson’s comments enter a national conversation about immigration that has grown increasingly polarized. While some cities and states have adopted more welcoming stances toward immigrants without legal status, others have implemented stricter enforcement measures.
The debate over terminology mirrors this divide. Federal agencies have shifted their language over time, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services moving away from “alien” in many contexts during the Biden administration, reversing Trump-era guidance that had encouraged use of the term.
Immigration advocates have praised Johnson’s stance, while those favoring stricter immigration enforcement have criticized what they see as semantic games that distract from policy issues.
As Chicago continues to navigate its role as a destination for migrants from across the world, Johnson’s comments signal his administration’s approach to treating newcomers with respect while acknowledging the complex challenges of immigration policy.
