Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee has favorably reported on Senate Bill No. 2599, dated June 13, 2022.
The bill proposes to update the New Jersey statutes by replacing the terms “alien” and “illegal alien” with “foreign national” and “undocumented foreign national,” respectively, specifically in the context of an individual’s legal status. This change aims to modernize the language used in state law and by State Executive Branch agencies regarding immigration status.
Additionally, the bill outlines that State Executive Branch agencies are to avoid using the terms “alien” and “illegal alien” in any new rule, regulation, interpretation, publication, or any official document or display issued after the bill’s effective date.
Exceptions are made only for quotations or reproductions of texts from sources other than the agency’s officers or employees, ensuring respect for historical or legal precision while fostering a more inclusive terminology framework.