President Biden’s use of the term “illegal” to describe the suspected killer of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley during his State of the Union address has sparked backlash from some in his own party. In an interview with MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart, Biden expressed regret for using the term and stated that he should have said “undocumented” instead. This shift in language reflects a broader shift among Democrats towards more inclusive language when discussing immigration issues, particularly in contrast to the rhetoric used by former President Donald Trump.
The moment in question occurred during an exchange in which Biden called on Republicans to pass a bipartisan border security deal that was derailed by Trump’s opposition. When Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted for Biden to say Riley’s name and stated that she was killed “by an illegal,” Biden responded by acknowledging this fact before questioning the number of people killed by legal residents. Riley’s tragic death has become a focal point for Republicans critical of the Biden administration’s handling of immigration and border security amid a surge of migrants entering the U.S.
Biden’s comments to Capehart emphasized his commitment to treating all individuals with respect, particularly in contrast to Trump’s dehumanizing language towards immigrants. He highlighted the difference in their approaches to discussing immigration issues, with Biden vowing not to engage in rhetoric that demonizes or degrades individuals. This shift in tone reflects a broader shift within the Democratic Party towards advocating for immigrant rights and using more inclusive language when discussing immigration policy.
Initially, Biden had hesitated when asked by reporters if he regretted using the term “illegal” during his State of the Union address, stating, “well I probably” before ultimately stating that he did not regret it. However, his subsequent clarification in the interview with Capehart indicates a change in his stance, as he expressed remorse for using a term that is considered outdated and offensive by many within the Democratic Party. This incident highlights the sensitivity of language when discussing immigration issues and the importance of using respectful and inclusive language.
Overall, President Biden’s apology for using the term “illegal” to describe the suspected killer of Laken Riley reflects a broader shift within the Democratic Party towards more inclusive language and advocacy for immigrant rights. Biden’s commitment to treating all individuals with respect and avoiding language that dehumanizes or degrades immigrants sets him apart from former President Trump’s divisive rhetoric. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of using respectful and inclusive language when discussing immigration policy and underscores the complexities of navigating this issue in a politically charged environment.
