Newsom signs bill replacing the word 'alien' in California legal code

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a Democrat-backed bill on Friday that will remove the term “alien” to describe migrants in the state’s legal code.

"As the nation’s most diverse state, we are stronger and more vibrant because of our immigrant communities," Newsom said in a statement. "This important legislation removes the word ‘alien,’ which is not only an offensive term for a human being, but for far too long has fueled a divisive and hurtful narrative. By changing this term, we are ensuring California’s laws reflect our state’s values."

Immigration activists have long argued the term "alien" is outdated and dehumanizing. California has the largest population of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Newsom’s office said in a press release that "alien" was used as "a political dog whistle to express bigotry and hatred without using traditionally racist language" beginning in the 1990s.