[uptoolate]

Can someone help me? O.K. I know I have only a high school education but would'nt the word 'illegal', which I think means against or contrary to established law, already carry with it the idea of criminality? To do something illegal is to commit a crime. To be 'illegal' is to be a 'law breaker' or 'criminal'. Someone please help this simple minded truck driver.

[muawiyah]

Real simple ~ there are "felonies" and "misdemeanors". Being inside the United States in and of itself is not a felony. Failing to properly enter the country is only a misdemeanor.

It has been proposed that this be changed so that any illegal entry will be considered a felony.

[Attillathehon]

Well in Clinton-speak, it depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is.

[Ben Ficklin]

"Can someone help me?"

While it is a misdemeanor, punishable with 6 months in jail, to illegally enter the US. Being in the US illegally is only a civil violation, punishable with deportation.

Depending whose stats you believe, either a third or a half of those in the country illegally are visa overstays who have broken no criminal law.

By all means, lets turn the Irish barmaid or Lupe the leaf blower into felons.