Access Quote by Aviva Chomsky
“It’s notable that the countries that most pride themselves on their commitment to equality, human rights, and democracy (like the United States and the western European countries) are precisely those that, in the late twentieth century, invented a new status (‘illegal’) in order to deprive some of their residents of access to equality, human rights, and democracy.I am honored to lend my name to PICUM’s campaign to end the use of the term ‘illegal’ and to challenge the whole concept of illegality as a status.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public statement for PICUM campaign, 2020
The quote argues that nations claiming to uphold equality and rights paradoxically create the illegal status to exclude some residents, highlighting hypocrisy in immigration policy.
In simple terms: Rich nations create illegal status, contradicting their values.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge the use of “illegal” in policy.
Themes
human rights
immigration
hypocrisy
political rhetoric
Mood
critical
concerned
advocacy
Type
political
activist
human rights
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- activism
- legal reform
- public discourse
- academic analysis
Key Concepts
legal status
exclusion
citizenship
national identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling people “illegal” affect societal cohesion?
- What alternatives exist to address undocumented status?
A Different Perspective
The term “illegal” may be entrenched in law, making change difficult.
