In the wake of his landslide recall victory, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday that the Golden State will expand a number of humane immigration policies that, in part, seek to protect and support immigrants.
Newsom highlighted that one of the bills signed that day effectively replaces the term "alien," which was previously used in reference to non-citizens in California State code.
"As the nation’s most diverse state, we are stronger and more vibrant because of our immigrant communities," the California governor said in a quoted statement.
"This important legislation removes the word ‘alien,’ which is not only an offensive term for a human being, but for far too long has fueled a divisive and hurtful narrative," Newsom added. "By changing this term, we are ensuring California’s laws reflect our state’s values."
Per AB 1096, "alien" will be replaced with more modern legal terminology, including "noncitizen" or "immigrant."
California had been using the term "alien" since 1937, while the federal government used it from 1798 until April 2021.