President Biden stumbled over his words when questioned about using ‘illegal’ to describe immigrants during the State of the Union. Asked if he regretted it, Biden’s reply was uncertain: “Well, I probably, uh, I don’t re— it, technically not supposed to be here…” Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized Biden’s choice, suggesting ‘undocumented’ might be better.

She said, “He should have said undocumented, but that’s not a big thing, OK?” The debate stems from Laken Riley’s tragic murder by an illegal migrant. The 22-year-old University of Georgia student’s case has sparked bipartisan outrage, raising questions about the Biden administration’s response to immigration.

Numerous crimes have been attributed to recent border crossers amidst a historic surge in illegal crossings. However, Riley’s murder has particularly incensed both sides of the political aisle.

Republicans have seized on the tragedy to criticize Biden’s immigration policies, accusing his administration of not doing enough to secure the border. On the other hand, Democrats have emphasized the need for compassion and a more humane approach to immigration.

The language used by political leaders, such as Biden’s use of ‘illegal,’ has become a focal point of the debate. Critics argue that terms like ‘illegal immigrant’ dehumanize individuals and perpetuate negative stereotypes. Pelosi’s call for using ‘undocumented’ instead reflects a broader push for more respectful and inclusive language in discussions about immigration.

As the Biden administration grapples with the ongoing immigration crisis, incidents like Riley’s murder highlight the complex and often contentious nature of the issue. Finding a balance between border security and compassion for migrants remains a significant challenge for policymakers.