New York City has banned the words 'illegal alien' if used "with intent to demean, humiliate or harass a person,". Even if it is a fact. If they are illegal alien, and you say it in a way they don't like you can fined...
$250,000!
It's part of new guidelines issued by the Big Apple announced last week. Under the new rules, you also cannot discriminate against anyone based on their proficiency with the english language. You also can't tell someone you'll call immigration if "based on a discriminatory motive."
Homeland security says the definition of 'alien' is "any person not a citizens or national of the United States."
Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office and Immigrant Affairs, said, "We are proud to have worked with the NYC Commission on Human Rights to produce and release this important guidance as we combat the federal government's rhetoric of fear and xenophobic policies that have threatened the health and well-being of immigrant communities."
The commision gave some hypothetical examples of that would be bad
- A landlord threatens to call US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement if an Indian immigrant family complains in housing court, after they find mold and cockroaches in their unit.
- A store owner tells two people speaking Thai to "speak English" or "go back to your country."
- A hotel prohibiting its housekeepers from speaking another language because it would "offend" guests.
You can read the 29 page directive here.
So, I guess can say 'illegal alien', but if you say them to be mean. Get a quarter million dollars ready to the fine.