In a recent development, an internal memo obtained by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project has revealed that the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has instructed its agents not to use pronouns when initially interacting with members of the public. The memo, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), states that agents should refrain from using “he, him, she, her” pronouns until they have more information about the individual. This change in language guidance has sparked significant controversy and criticism.
The memo, which was shared with Digital, specifically highlights that the “members of the public” that border patrol agents most often interact with are illegal migrants. This has led critics, including Oversight Project Director Mike Howell, to argue that the new language guidance is an attempt to “coddle” illegal aliens. Howell points out that the Border Patrol deals with a large number of illegal aliens and believes that the forced language guidance is a way for the Biden administration to appease this group.
The CBP has not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding the memo. However, it encourages agents to use a universal greeting, such as “Good Morning” or “Good Evening,” during the initial greeting. If an incorrect pronoun is used and corrected by the individual, agents are instructed to acknowledge the oversight and use the correct pronoun.
The memo also includes a list of key terms and their definitions related to gender identity and sexual orientation. This is aimed at helping agents effectively communicate with individuals who identify as LGBTQI+. The introduction of the memo emphasizes that these terms and definitions are not universal and may be subject to change over time.
This recent memo follows a similar guideline rolled out by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which also emphasized the use of preferred pronouns in interactions with employees. Both of these initiatives have faced criticism, with opponents arguing that it forces individuals to deny reality and violates employee rights.
Critics of the CBP memo, such as Howell, believe that the agency should focus on preventing illegal immigration and not be used as pawns in a social experiment. The controversy surrounding these language guidelines highlights the ongoing debate around immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of government agencies in shaping social norms.
It is important to note that this memo is specific to the CBP and does not reflect broader policies across the US government. However, it does raise questions about the language used by government agencies and the potential impact on public perception and interactions.
In conclusion, the recent memo prohibiting US Border Patrol agents from using pronouns in initial interactions with the public has sparked controversy and debate. Critics argue that it is an attempt to appease illegal migrants, while others highlight the importance of respecting individual identities and promoting effective communication. This development adds to the ongoing discussions around immigration and LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
