Ones potentially contacted in "first contact" (6)

I believe the answer is:

aliens

(Other definitions for aliens that I've seen before include "Immigrants" , "Foreigners or extraterrestrials" , "Foreigners or creatures from outer space" , "Non-nationals - perhaps from Mars?" , "Strangers, extraterrestrials" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.

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