WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles) – Two of the country’s minority journalism organizations today formally protested the use of the term ‘illegal alien’ in the new Hollywood film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

The Asian American Journalists Association(AAJA) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) sent a strongly-worded joint letter to Zack Snyder accusing the film’s director of perpetuating stereotypes and fueling anti-immigrant sentiments.

The film’s first trailer was released yesterday. In one scene, Superman (Henry Cavil)  is seen on Capitol Hill being mobbed by angry protesters bearing placards with messages like “Superman = Illegal Alien,” and “Aliens are Un-American.”

The letter asked Snyder: “How difficult is it for you to use ‘undocumented immigrant’ instead of ‘illegal alien?’

AAJA and NAHJ have been advocating against the use of offensive and derogatory language by the media especially as it relates to immigrants and minority communities.

In a brief email response to the journalism organizations, Snyder simply said, “Chill, guys. This is fiction! Besides, Superman IS an alien!”

The film opens March 16, 2016 in theaters worldwide. Ben Affleck plays the role of Batman.