The Library of Congress and “Illegal Aliens”
The Library of Congress uses subject headings in order to categorize their collection. In early 2016, a student at Dartmouth College was doing research in the library when she began to constantly see the use of the phrase “illegal alien” in official publications. The student, of Mexican descent who recently gained citizenship in the US, became angered by the use of the phrase, saying it is demeaning to the Mexican people, even those who are citizens. She started a petition to have the phrase changed to “noncitizens” or “unauthorized immigrants.” The petition at first seemed to succeed, but conservative lawmakers fought the petition, and the phrase has yet to be changed in the Library of Congress.
I am for the idea of changing the phrase, as I can see how it can be demeaning to immigrants, legal or not. I have even witnessed first hand the use of the phrase to demean Hispanic people, even when I knew the people were citizens. I think that the governments action to not change the phrase is promoting discrimination, and even bigotry. This country has been stuck in a mindset for so long, and this mindset needs to change.
Another subject heading that may cause anger is the term ‘refugee.’ Decades, maybe even 5 years ago, the term would not have meant more than someone who has fled a country in turmoil, but in today’s age, the term has garnered negative connotations. In light of the chaos in Syria, and the rise in terrorist attacks has created a stereotype and stigma that all refugees are dangerous. The Library of Congress should implement a review process of subject headings involving many editors/reviewers to determine the political correctness of a subject heading.
