Rudy Ruiz : ` ` Illegal alien '' ' has prisoner 's face , wears prison garb , carries green card . Ruiz : Just because we have a right , we need n't demean people or mock their rights . The costume reflects the rise of anti - immigrant hostility as a result of racism . Ruiz : If you 're one of the people who are the butt of the joke , it 's not so funny .
Rudy Ruiz : `` Illegal alien '' costume has alien 's face , wears prison garb , carries green card . Ruiz : Just because we have a right , we need n't demean people or mock their plight . Says costume reflects the rise of anti-immigrant hostility as a form of racism . Ruiz : If you 're one of the people who are the butt of the joke , it 's not so funny .