[Impeach98]

"That's because the minors with two brain cells to rub together buy ciggies and beer at a discount from people who've already stolen the stuff. With ciggies and beer, mere possession by a minor is an offense in and of itself. Possession of money by an illegal alien isn't. "

I really liked your point, but it made me realize you were making mine, well, sort of :D

Mere possession of money isn't illegal in and of itself. But LIVING HERE IS ILLEGAL. It's even more of a risk than the kid who gets a slap on the wrist for trying to buy the beer when they're 16 years old.

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

I really liked your point, but it made me realize you were making mine, well, sort of :D

Actually, I didn't. But feel free to pretend that I did if it makes you feel better.

Mere possession of money isn't illegal in and of itself. But LIVING HERE IS ILLEGAL.

And the folks living here illegally will give the money to a legal resident, who will then charge a handling fee and send the rest to Mexico via Western Union.

It's even more of a risk than the kid who gets a slap on the wrist for trying to buy the beer when they're 16 years old.

It's rather easy to see who is not legally able to possess alcohol or tobacco.

It's not nearly as easy to see who is not here legally. And a transaction that consists of Party A handing an envelope full of money to Party B is going to be almost impossible to detect.