The incoming Trump administration is exploring a change in the language used by federal agencies to describe immigration statuses, and this potential shift marks a reversal from the policies implemented during President Joe Biden’s term, signaling the reintroduction of the term "illegal alien."

President-elect Trump’s team is deliberating over rescinding Biden's guidelines on immigration terminology, thereby reinstating terminology such as "illegal alien," which was once employed by federal bodies, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Upon taking office in January 2025, one of the initial changes President-elect Donald Trump may implement involves adjusting federal language standards concerning immigration.

The transition team advisors have been actively discussing a return to terminology that was used before Biden’s administration, in particular replacing “undocumented immigrants” with “illegal alien.”

Shift Away from Politically Correct Terms

During President Biden’s tenure in office, changes were made to adopt more politically correct terms regarding immigration.

In April 2021, under guidance from Troy Miller of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Biden administration endorsed the use of terms such as "noncitizen" and "migrant," moving away from expressions deemed outdated or insensitive by some.

Despite these alterations, Rodney Scott, the former head of U.S. Border Patrol, quietly pushed back against the language update. Scott stated his official disapproval of the new terminology for CBP communications and materials. These changes did not occur without controversy, and debates over terminology persisted within government entities.

Biden himself was met with criticism earlier this year for reverting to the term “illegal” during a State of the Union address. His choice to deviate momentarily from the administration’s updated language guidelines sparked further debate among policymakers and the public.

Legislative Efforts and Opposing Views

The controversy surrounding immigration terms extends to legislative efforts as well. In January 2021, Democrat Rep. Joaquin Castro introduced a bill aiming to replace the term “alien” with “noncitizen.” This proposal was part of broader efforts to ensure language used by federal agencies reflected a more considerate approach toward individuals residing in the country without official authorization.

Nevertheless, some lawmakers resisted such changes. Rep. Henry Cuellar, for instance, voiced his concerns over altering terminology that is embedded in existing legal statutes. Cuellar indicated that while he understands the drive toward political correctness, the legal framework still uses the term “alien.”

The introduction of legislation reflects broader conversations about how best to label individuals in official capacities. The push to revert to previous language by Trump and his advisors underscores ongoing divisions in the way immigration issues are framed within the political landscape.

Potential Changes Within Immigration Agencies

Looking ahead, the potential leaders within immigration agencies, like retired ICE official John Fabbricatore, have expressed their support for returning to the use of “illegal alien.” Fabbricatore argued that the term “illegal alien” is a neutral descriptor not tied to any specific race, religion, or culture.

Fabbricatore’s views align with those of other high-ranking officials within the Trump transition team. There is an anticipation that once Trump assumes office, federal bodies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will no longer employ euphemisms for individuals unlawfully present in the U.S.

This possible linguistic shift may reflect larger plans by the Trump administration to reformulate U.S. immigration policies. It also signals an intent to align language use with stricter measures expected under Trump’s governance.

Impact of Terminology on Immigration Policy

Language plays a critical role in shaping public perceptions of immigration issues. The terms used in federal documents and communications can influence how policies are perceived and enacted. For the Trump team, restoring terminology to "illegal alien" might suggest a return to more stringent immigration enforcement strategies.

Past administrations have grappled with the semantics surrounding immigration, often influenced by prevailing political climates.

As Trump prepares to take office, the debate over immigration language is likely to intensify. While the move to reinstate previous terminology may resonate with some segments of the population, it could also reignite discussions regarding the social and political implications of language in policymaking.

The potential changes underscore the ongoing struggles within the U.S. to balance enforcement with empathy in its immigration discourse. Moving forward, the Trump administration's decisions on language could shape federal immigration policy significantly and influence the national dialogue on immigration matters in the years to come.