pro-illegal immigration crew thinks it's a civil offense
anti-illegal immigration crew thinks it's a criminal offense
let's clear this up once and for all.
This is straight forward. First, interesting fact, the majority of people many call "illegal" have overstayed visas rather crossed the border illegally.
Improper Entry Is a Crime
To be clear, the most common crime associated with illegal immigration is likely
improper entry. Under federal criminal law, it is misdemeanor for an alien (i.e., a non-citizen) to:
- Enter or attempt to enter the United States at any time or place other than designated by immigration officers;
- Elude examination or inspection by immigration officers; or
- Attempt to enter or obtain entry to the United States by willfully concealing, falsifying, or misrepresenting material facts.
The punishment under this federal law is no more than six months of incarceration and up to $250 in civil penalties for each illegal entry. These acts of improper entry -- including the mythic "border jumping" -- are criminal acts associated with illegally immigrating to the United States.
Unlawful Presence Is Not a Crime
Some may assume that all immigrants who are in the United States without legal status
must have committed improper entry. This simply isn't the case. Many foreign nationals legally enter the country on a valid work or travel visa, but fail to exit
before their visa expires for a variety of reasons.
But mere unlawful presence in the country is
not a crime. It is a violation of federal immigration law to remain in the country without legal authorization, but this violation is punishable by
civil penalties, not criminal. Chief among these civil penalties is
deportation or removal, where an unlawful resident may be detained and removed from the country. Unlawful presence can also have
negative consequences for a resident who may seek to gain re-entry into the United States, or permanent residency.
