During an impromptu exchange at the State of the Union, President Joe Biden faced criticism from Rep. Nancy Pelosi for his choice of words when referring to an undocumented immigrant accused of killing a Georgia nursing student. The incident occurred while Biden was discussing immigration and GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene demanded that Biden say the name of the victim, Laken Riley.
Biden referred to the individual responsible for Riley's death as 'an illegal,' a term that Pelosi disagreed with. She expressed that Biden should have used the term 'undocumented' instead.
While addressing the situation, Biden acknowledged the tragedy faced by Riley's parents, stating, 'To her parents I say my heart goes out to you having lost children myself, I understand.' He also raised the broader issue of violence committed by individuals who are in the country without legal documentation, asking, 'But how many thousands of people are being killed by illegals?'
The exchange between Biden, Greene, and Pelosi highlighted differing perspectives on the language used to describe individuals who are in the United States without legal status. The debate underscores the ongoing complexities and sensitivities surrounding immigration policy and the terminology used to discuss related issues.
