No, it is not a violation of a criminal statute to enter the U.S. without proper authorization, it is a civil violation. It is not a criminal offense to "be" in the U.S. without proper immigration status. And furthermore, up to half of the illegals entered legally as tourists, students, businessmen, etc...
The website from which this article comes is linked to some of the most disreputable sites on the Internet.
Gee, isn't that special.
It's like 9/11/01 never happened.
No wonder millions enter America illegally without fear.
You can categorize it any way you so desire, but it doesn't change the fact that it is in violation of our immigration laws for a foreigner to enter the U.S. without proper authorization, and it doesn't change the fact that it is in violation of our immigration laws for a foreigner to "be" in the U.S. without proper immigration status.
And furthermore, up to half of the illegals entered legally as tourists, students, businessmen, etc...
So what? If they're still here the day after their visas expire, they're in violation of our immigration laws.
I've called you on your baloney before, here is the statute once again, it is indeed a crime. 8 USC § 1325. Improper entry by alien
(a) Improper time or place; avoidance of examination or inspection; misrepresentation and concealment of facts 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.
(b) Improper time or place; civil penalties Any alien who is apprehended while entering (or attempting to enter) the United States at a time or place other than as designated by immigration officers shall be subject to a civil penalty of—
(1) at least $50 and not more than $250 for each such entry (or attempted entry); or
(2) twice the amount specified in paragraph (1) in the case of an alien who has been previously subject to a civil penalty under this subsection.
Civil penalties under this subsection are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any criminal or other civil penalties that may be imposed.
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode08/usc_sec_08_00001325----000-.html