While some people think the costume being sold under the name of "Illegal Alien" is offensive, others assure that not only is it selling but being able to do so also constitutes freedom of expression.

This controversial costume, which consists of an orange suit similar to that of a prisoner with the inscription "Illegal Alien" across the chest, an alien mask and a green sign meant to simulate a green card, was recalled from the shelves at Target.

Nevertheless, the costume made by the company Forum Novelties, Inc. continues to be sold via various websites like Amazon.com at an average price of $39.99, and it has also had success at a novelty costume store in New York.

"We are very offended by this costume," said María Machuca, spokewoman for the United Farm Workers of America, which has headquarters in California and is one of the organizations that called upon its members to send letters to Target and Amazon, demanding that they stop selling the costume.

Machuca said this costume is "creating racism and discrimination. At a time when immigration reform is being discussed, the costume is offensive and inappropriate." Target spokesman Joshua Thomas said the costume was pulled from the shelves on Saturday "after Target received various complaints. The company never intended to sell this type of costume and it was offered on the Internet by mistake."

In a letter to the presidents of Target and Amazon.com demanding that the merchandise be recalled, Sergio Reyes of the Boston May Day Coalition said, "You are trying to trivialize a sensitive, delicate, and serious issue, and foment intolerance and anti-immigrant sentiment." He added that the costume is an insult "to the near 12 million undocumented workers and their families who suffer daily from persecution and exploitation."

However, William Gheen, president of Americans for Legal Immigration (ALIPAC), which has more than 25,000 supporters in the United States, said, "The attempt to censor freedom of political expression in the United States is counterproductive to amnesty for illegal immigrants, which 78 percent of Americans oppose."

This past weekend, Gheen encouraged all of ALIPAC's supporters to buy the aforementioned costume over the Internet, saying, "It was a success because the majority of places selling the costume have reported that it is selling out. I bought one for myself and I'm going to put it on if they interview me about this issue on national television."

In New York City, the costume was being sold at novelty stores like Ricky's.

"It's selling like hot bread," said an employee who did not wish to be identified, at a branch on 17th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan.

"It's one of the most sought out costumes now. We already had to order more for this week," said the employee, who emphasized that "all types of adults" are purchasing the costume.