Governor Bob Ferguson has signed legislation that will update the language used in Washington state law, replacing the term “alien” with “noncitizen” in statutes and official government documents beginning next year.
House Bill 2632, sponsored by Democratic State Rep. My-Linh Thai of Bellevue, aims to modernize wording in state law that lawmakers say no longer reflects contemporary language or the values of the state’s diverse population.
“The language we use matters. It shapes public trust, how people experience government, and how government sees the people of our state,” said State Rep. My-Linh Thai, D-Bellevue.
Washington is home to families from around the world who live and work in communities across the state, contributing to its economy and civic life. Thai said updating the terminology is intended to better reflect respect for those residents.
“It is time Washington laws to reflect the respect and dignity that every person deserves,” Thai said.
Supporters say the change is largely administrative but symbolically important. Some terms still used in Washington statutes were written decades ago and have not kept pace with changes in language and policy.
“This is not just about the way the law depicts persons born abroad, it is also about good governance: keeping state laws clear, accurate, and up to date,” the bill’s proponents said in explaining the legislation.
Thai, who immigrated to Washington as a Vietnamese refugee at age 15, said language used in law can influence how comfortable residents feel interacting with government institutions.
“Language has evolved in other areas of law and policy,” Thai added, who immigrated to Washington state as a Vietnamese refugee with her family at the age of 15. “When laws avoid pejorative terms, our residents may be more willing to engage with government institutions, including our courts and public schools.”
Under the new law, the term “alien” will be replaced with “noncitizen” in state and local government statutes, codes, rules, regulations and official documents enacted after July 1, 2026.
Lawmakers emphasized that the change does not alter immigration classifications, enforcement authority, or eligibility requirements for government programs. The legal categories used in immigration law remain the same; only the wording in Washington statutes will change.
Supporters of the measure say the goal is simply to remove an outdated term and replace it with language they believe is more accurate and respectful while keeping the underlying legal framework intact.
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