[Political Junkie Too]

That must be what the 9th Circuit is doing, because the illegal act isn't just the illegal crossing itself, it's also the continued illegal presence without authorization.

If it isn't illegal to be present illegally, then why is it illegal to hide someone who is here illegally, or to transport someone who is here illegally?

-PJ

[Melas]

If it isn't illegal to be present illegally, then why is it illegal to hide someone who is here illegally, or to transport someone who is here illegally?

Dunno, I'm not a lawyer. However, being here illegally is an administrative offense, not a criminal one. That's been explained in so many venues by so many sources that I've lost count.