Continuing his push for change on immigration issues, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a trio of measures Monday, including one removing the word "alien" from California’s labor code because it is seen as a derogatory description of those not born in the U.S. or who are not fully naturalized citizens.
State Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) wrote the bill eliminating the word “alien,” saying the measure is necessary to modernize the labor code.
“Alien is now commonly considered a derogatory term for a foreign-born person and has very negative connotations,” Mendoza said. “The word 'alien,' and any law prescribing an order for the issuance of employment to 'aliens,' have no place in the laws of our state and more importantly, should never be the basis for any employment hiring.