Changing the term “illegal alien” to “worker without authorization”.

When I was in college, I took a “Philosophy of Language” class that examined how language shapes our realities and impacts our ability to think. Think that’s crazy? Well, studies show that people who speak Guugu Yimithirr, an Australian Aboriginal language, have an “internal compass,” which allows them to have a perfect sense of direction regardless of where they are. Why? Because children learning Guugu Yimithirr grow up using cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) instead of relational directions (Right, Left).

Did you know that those who speak Zuni have difficulty distinguishing between yellow and orange? Indeed, they do, because the Zuni language doesn’t differentiate between orange and yellow.

Simply put, the terms we use impact our thoughts. Thus, when lawmakers pass bills like House Bill 21-1075, “Replace the Term Illegal Alien,” it can be argued that they’re doing so to change the way you think about illegal immigration. Here’s what HB 21-1075 entails and why Coloradoans should be wary of legally regulating speech.

Replacing Terms

Signed into law by Gov. Polis on April 4, 2021, HB 21-1075 replaces the term “illegal alien” with “worker without authorization” on public services contracts. Further, “worker without authorization” is legally defined as “an individual who is unable to provide evidence that the individual is authorized by the Federal Government to work in the United States.”

In other words, when the state of Colorado is referring to people who come to the US without going through proper legal channels, they will no longer be designated “illegal.” Instead, they are “workers without authorization.”

Sen. Julie Gonzales, the bill’s prime sponsor, stated in regards to the term change, “Changing the language we use to refer to immigrants in our statute books is a small but important step forward in disarming hate, prejudice and discrimination as we work toward creating a more welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for all Coloradans, regardless of immigration status,” according to 9News.

Immigration and Colorado

Over the past few weeks, The Maverick Observer has taken a closer look at Colorado’s policies regarding immigration, and we’ve found that legislation regarding illegal immigration isn’t black and white. For example, thanks to HB 19-1124, Colorado’s state and local law enforcement can’t work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when it comes to detainers. This has the benefit of possibly lowering overall crime, but the con of releasing dangerous criminals into the community.

However, HB 21-1075 is not the same as HB 19-1124. While laws regarding how the state treats undocumented immigrants can have a secondary impact on you (think being mugged by a recently released criminal alien), they primarily impact those who cross the border illegally and federal and state agencies designed to deal with these issues. Consequently, whether you agree with these laws or not, it can be argued the state is acting within the bounds of its authority.

HB 21-1075 deals with language, and it’s the start of a slippery slope that can directly impact you.

Policing Your Thoughts

At present, the state says “illegal alien” is no longer an allowed term for writing state contracts because it’s “hate speech, and xenophobic” and used to degrade and dehumanize undocumented immigrants, according to Sen. Gonzales. Thus, they’re making a “small” change in state statutes to be more inclusive.

However, “illegal” is used when referring to something that breaks the law, while “immigrant” or “alien” is used to describe someone who moved from their country of origin to another country. As such, Conservatives often use the term “illegal immigrant” because they’re referencing that a person acted illegally when immigrating. “Illegal immigrant” describes an act committed by a person, and is not the same as a derogatory term, which is used to detract from a person’s character absent an act.

Progressive Colorado lawmakers want open borders and immigration to be legal in all circumstances. By using the term “worker without authorization” instead of “illegal immigrant,” they attempt to influence your thoughts. If you can’t think or describe something as illegal, it doesn’t carry the same negative connotations. So why regulate it?

Down the Slippery Slope

As of this writing, HB 21-1075 and replacing the term “illegal alien” with “worker without authorization” only applies to state contracts. But it’s concerning in that it’s one more example of Colorado lawmakers slowly but surely changing language to influence Coloradoan’s thoughts and behavior.

For example, in May 2021, Colorado lawmakers passed HB 21-1108, “Gender Identity Expression Anti-Decimation,” which supporters claimed simply updated language on discrimination. HB 21-1108 turned the terms “Gender Expression” and “Gender Identity” into protected categories, which forces people who believe in biological sex to accommodate those who choose to change their gender.

Indeed, thanks to HB 21-1108, if Catholic doctors offer services like pap smears, breast exams, etc., to biological women, they must also provide them to transwomen. If a doctor chooses not to perform these services for transwomen, even based on religious conviction, they can be sued and fined.

Employers can’t use language like “she” or “he” and instead must use gender-neutral terms like “they.” This has a trickle-down effect where employees now put their preferred pronouns in their bios and emails. And, whether you realize it or not, this impacts thoughts. Instead of binding, gender is fluid and can change based on personal preference.

Cause to be Wary

Colorado has enacted several new laws regarding immigration over the past few years. And many times, these laws come with both pros and cons. Furthermore, immigration, and the issues surrounding it, should be openly discussed to help come up with humane solutions that work to benefit all.

On the surface, HB 21-1075 is nothing more than swapping the term “illegal alien” with “worker without authorization.” But it’s important to ask why legislators made this change. When you ask that question and pair it with recent bills like HB 21-1108, you start to see a pattern that is cause for concern. Instead of fostering dialogue, bills like HB 21-1075 look to subvert debate by labeling certain terms as “hate speech” and forcing those who disagree to remain silent.

The Maverick Observer is an online free-thinking publication interested in the happenings in our region. We launched in February 2020 to hold our politicians and businesses accountable. We hope to educate, inform, entertain, and infuse you with a sense of community.