Actually, if we are being intellectually honest, Geraldo is correct. It does imply that the person is somehow “illegal” by their existence. Let us all agree, with Geraldo’s blessing, that we shall henceforth refer to people who are citizens from other nations (aliens) who are on US soil without proper permission or documentation (in violation of our laws): “law-breaking aliens”... or maybe Geraldo will prefer “criminal aliens”... but to give a complete set of appropriate selections, let us also offer the third option of “aliens subject to immediate arrest and deportation”, although that one is a bit clunky and tougher for the poor journalism majors to print or say.
“Criminal invader” has a nice ring to it, as well.