Biden news - live: Tributes for ‘universally respected’ Walter Mondale, as ‘alien’ term for migrants banned

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Joe Biden has paid tribute to Walter Mondale, the former vice president who has died aged 93.

Mr Mondale served as Jimmy Carter’s deputy and went on to lose the 1984 presidential election to Ronald Reagan. Mr Biden described him as “unwavering in his pursuit of progress” and said he commanded “universal respect” on Capitol Hill.

Meanwhile, Mr Biden’s administration has banned immigration authorities from using charged terms like “illegal alien”.

The head of US Customs and Border Protection claimed his agency intended to maintain “the dignity of every individual with whom we interact”.

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[20 April 2021 07:59 · Jon Sharman]

These are the terms ICE isn’t allowed to use anymore

US immigration enforcement agencies will stop using words that advocacy groups and civil rights organisations have long argued are dehumanising terms used to justify discrimination against vulnerable groups, writes Alex Woodward.

In a pair of memos to Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as Customs and Border Protection, the agencies directed officers to use “noncitizen or migrant” in place of “alien”; “undocumented” instead of “illegal”; and “integration” instead of “assimilation.”

“As the nation’s premier law enforcement agency, we set a tone and example for our country and partners across the world,” wrote CBP chief Troy Miller. “We enforce our nation’s laws while also maintaining the dignity of every individual with whom we interact. The words we use matter and will serve to further confer that dignity to those in our custody.”

[20 April 2021 07:37 · Jon Sharman]

Tributes for Walter Mondale, who has died aged 93

Joe Biden was among those paying tribute to Walter Mondale, the former vice president who has died aged 93.

The president described Mr Mondale as “unwavering in his pursuit of progress” and said he commanded “universal respect” on Capitol Hill.

Jimmy Carter, under whom Mr Mondale served as deputy, said: “Today I mourn the passing of my dear friend Walter Mondale, who I consider the best vice president in our country's history.

“During our administration, Fritz used his political skill and personal integrity to transform the vice presidency into a dynamic, policy-driving force that had never been seen before and still exists today.

“He was an invaluable partner and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United States, and the world. Fritz Mondale provided us all with a model for public service and private behaviour.”

Here is our full story on Mr Mondale’s passing: