Biden Uses 'Illegal Immigrant' Term... Democrats "Deeply Disappointed"

Joe Biden's Congressional Address
Mentions 'Illegal Immigrants' During Remarks on Border and Immigration

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U.S. President Joe Biden clashed with so-called 'MAGA' (Make America Great Again) hardline lawmakers, who are pro-Donald Trump, over immigration policy. In the process, President Biden used the term 'illegal immigrant,' which is commonly used by the Republican Party and Trump supporters, sparking controversy within the progressive camp.

On the 7th (local time), President Joe Biden delivered a State of the Union address at the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. While speaking about the border and immigration, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia interrupted with jeers. Representative Greene pointed her finger at President Biden and shouted, "Layken Riley. Say her name."

Riley was a 22-year-old female college student from Georgia who went out for a morning jog last month and was found dead in the woods next to the campus the following day. Police arrested 26-year-old Venezuelan national Jose Ibarra on murder charges. Ibarra had illegally entered the United States by crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in September 2022. Riley's death became a rallying point for Republicans opposing the Biden administration's immigration policies. The rally's slogan was also "Say her name."

Seeing Representative Greene, President Biden paused his speech and began an unscripted remark. Holding up a Riley memorial badge, he said, "I know how to say that name." He continued, "Layken Riley. An innocent young woman killed by an illegal immigrant. But how many people are being killed by illegal immigrants? I also know the pain of losing a child. I understand." President Biden then urged Congress to pass a border budget agreement.

The issue was that President Biden referred to the murderer as an 'illegal immigrant.' The term 'illegal immigrant' is used by hardline conservatives such as former President Trump. The Democratic Party typically uses terms like 'undocumented' or 'unauthorized' immigrants. On this day, President Biden inadvertently used the terminology of the hardline conservative camp.

In response, Democratic Representative Chuy Garcia said, "As a proud immigrant, I was very disappointed to hear President Biden use the term 'illegal.'" David Weigel, a political reporter for the U.S. online media outlet Somaspor, wrote on X, "The term 'illegal' referring to illegal immigrants was removed from the Democratic Party's dictionary years ago," expressing shock at President Biden's use of the term.

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