LANSING – State Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) today expressed her outrage and disappointment that some Michigan stores have been carrying a controversial "Illegal Alien" adult Halloween costume.
"As both the daughter of immigrants and a proud American, I am disgusted by how this offensive outfit encourages hate and discrimination," Tlaib said, whose district is home to more than 20 different nationalities. "We are a nation of immigrants and this costume offends our core American values. The message that this costume conveys has no place in our community, our stores, our state or our country."
The costume, manufactured by Forum Novelties Inc., consists of an orange jumpsuit to resemble a prison outfit with "Illegal Alien" printed across the chest; a space alien mask; and a fake Green Card. A second costume, the "Illegal Alien Mask with Hat," also includes a space alien mask with a dark handlebar mustache and a baseball hat.
"I am pleased that retailers such as Target, Meijer and Amazon.com have recently stopped selling the costume," Tlaib said. "However, I hope they proactively implement an internal policy to prevent future incidents and launch a 'welcoming campaign' that brings families together. American holidays are supposed to bring people together, not tear them apart."