Justice Sotomayor Uses The Word “Undocumented” In Supreme Court Case Decision

By Julianne Hing Dec 09, 2009

Mohawk v. Carpenter t According to the Houston Chronicle, Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s use of the word "undocumented immigrant" in her opinion for the case Mohawk Industries, Inc. vs. Carpenter marks the first time the phrase has been used in a Supreme Court decision. We all know that the derogatory phrase "illegal immigrant" carries with it hateful and racist connotations, and Justice Sotomayor’s move to eschew that kind language won’t go unnoticed. It’s the small victories, people, small victories. Now if only we could convince President Obama to give up the phrase, too.

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