New York City's decision to replace the words #alien and #illegal with #noncitizen is a much needed step forward that ensures respect for all human beings. Such derogatory words have no place in the 21st century. The words we use have a deep and lasting impact. It's time that our words reflect general human values and promote unity instead of polarization. 

The use of words like "illegal" and "alien" have no place when addressing fellow human beings, because this demeans them. These words fail to acknowledge another person as human. It is not possible for a person themselves to be illegal, even if they have done illegal things. Similarly there is nothing alien about humans that come from a different part of the world. 

It isn't difficult to understand how these words can lead to discrimination and harassment. Allowing the use of such words also poses problems for those who have US citizenship, but are from immigrant families. It is very easy to generalize these words for all immigrants and demean them.  

America has made significant strides in its efforts to achieve a society that is equal for all. We pride ourselves in affording citizens equal opportunities and equal rights. There is no place for discrimination based on racial identity or religious beliefs. The same applies to discrimination based on citizenship. 

This country was built by immigrants. The United States is the most diverse nation in the world. People of all ethnicities, nationalities, and religious backgrounds come together here to work for their families. That is what “The American Dream” is all about. Using derogatory remarks against immigrants and dehumanizing them goes against our core American values. 

Words matter; language matters, and policies matter. All of these should be aligned with the requirements of a modern society. 

Until another life form enters our planet, the term “alien” is inaccurate. Society should be receptive to all. Use of the term "noncitizen" is enough to understand the residential status of someone living in this country. There's no need to dehumanize people just because they might have come to this country in hope of a better life, but couldn't produce the proper documentation. 

The need for this legislation can be well understood through the words of Queens Councilman Francisco Moya; "Words matter. The language we choose to use has power and consequences. It’s time we as a city use our language to acknowledge people as people rather than to dehumanize them and divide us."