I'm trying to figure out the answer to what should be a simple question. Is it illegal to be Illegal.
I've wandered through various US Code sections: TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 75 > Sec. 1546. Sec. 1546. - Fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/1546.html TITLE 8 > CHAPTER 12 > SUBCHAPTER II > Part V > Sec. 1253. Sec. 1253. - Penalties related to removal http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/8/1253.html TITLE 8 > CHAPTER 12 > SUBCHAPTER II > Part VIII > Sec. 1325. Sec. 1325. - Improper entry by alien http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/8/1325.html TITLE 8 > CHAPTER 12 > SUBCHAPTER II > Part VIII > Sec. 1324d. Sec. 1324d. - Civil penalties for failure to depart http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/8/1324d.html and it looks like there are the normal criminal penalties for forgery and uttering a false document and a minor misdemeanor charge for sneaking accross the border but merely a fine for overstaying a visa. If you fail to leave after you are ordered to do so you may be imprisoned but the language is the language of "civil" penalties rather than "crimes." Is this correct? I know that Illegals are usually just subject to deportation and that this is a civil matter. (Which is why all the detainees arrested after September 11th don't have the right to a free lawyer since they are not charged with any crimes.) As far as any of you know, are there any "pure crimes" involved in illegal immigration other than those outlined above? If not, this should be pointed out in arguments on the topic. DCF
