Washington State Replaces 'Alien' with 'Noncitizen' in Law

Governor Bob Ferguson signs bill to update terminology across state statutes

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:22pm

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Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a bill into law that replaces the term 'alien' with 'noncitizen' or other context-appropriate language in state statutes, except where federal law requires otherwise. The measure, sponsored by Representative My-Linh Thai, makes Washington the fourth state to remove the term 'alien' from its laws when referring to individuals. Supporters say the change reflects modern legal standards and Washington's values of fairness, dignity and equal protection under the law.

Why it matters

The use of the term 'alien' has long been criticized as outdated, ambiguous and dehumanizing. This legislation brings Washington's laws in line with more inclusive and objective terminology, joining other states that have made similar changes to reflect the state's commitment to supporting equitable access to legal aid and services for all residents, regardless of citizenship status.

The details

House Bill 2632 requires state and local statutes and official documents adopted after June 11, 2026 to use the updated 'noncitizen' terminology where appropriate, while retaining language required under federal law. The law also allows state agencies to use an expedited rulemaking process to update existing statutes and documents when the change only replaces 'alien' with 'noncitizen' or another context-appropriate term without altering the rule's effect.

  • Governor Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on March 16, 2026.
  • The law takes effect on June 11, 2026.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The Governor of Washington who signed the bill into law.

My-Linh Thai

The state representative who sponsored the bill to replace 'alien' with 'noncitizen' in Washington statutes.

Elizabeth Fitzgearld

The co-chair of the Undocumented Communities Committee, which worked to support the legislation.

Nicholas Mejía

The other co-chair of the Undocumented Communities Committee.

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What they’re saying

“As a refugee to this country, I know what it feels like to be labeled as 'other'. The term 'alien' is outdated, dehumanizing, and does not reflect how we speak about people today. Our laws should reflect who we are as a state. Washington stands for fairness, dignity and equal protection under the law and this bill is part of that ongoing work.”

— My-Linh Thai, State Representative

“This bill replaces a word that is, at best, an ambiguous synonym requiring constant context and, at worst, dehumanizing to Washingtonians without U.S. citizenship with its plain, objective equivalent: noncitizen.”

— Elizabeth Fitzgearld, Co-chair, Undocumented Communities Committee

“The word 'noncitizen' more directly describes the individuals referenced in law without requiring interpretation.”

— Nicholas Mejía, Co-chair, Undocumented Communities Committee

What’s next

The law takes effect on June 11, 2026, requiring state and local statutes and official documents adopted after that date to use the updated 'noncitizen' terminology where appropriate.

The takeaway

This legislation demonstrates Washington's commitment to inclusive and equitable language in its laws, moving away from outdated and dehumanizing terminology like 'alien' and embracing more objective and respectful terms like 'noncitizen'. It's part of the state's ongoing work to ensure its laws reflect the values of fairness, dignity and equal protection for all residents, regardless of citizenship status.