There’s no such thing as entering the country illegally or crossing the border illegally. These are inventions of xenophobic politicians trying to make you fear outsiders. It is illegal to circumvent the immigration process, or to fail to follow the application process for asylum. But you can cross the border and then apply for immigration or asylum without committing a crime.
Here’s the law about crossing the border. Turns out you can enter the country illegally.
8 U.S. Code § 1325
Any alien who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers, or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers, or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
themeatbridge@lemmy.world 9 months ago
There’s no such thing as entering the country illegally or crossing the border illegally. These are inventions of xenophobic politicians trying to make you fear outsiders. It is illegal to circumvent the immigration process, or to fail to follow the application process for asylum. But you can cross the border and then apply for immigration or asylum without committing a crime.
jimbolauski@lemm.ee 9 months ago
Here’s the law about crossing the border. Turns out you can enter the country illegally.
8 U.S. Code § 1325
wintermute_oregon@lemm.ee 9 months ago
I’ve already cited him the law. It’s even called illegal entry.