DHS statistics show that more than 28,000 Mexicans who had entered the United States illegally at some point were granted legal permanent resident status in 2002. Another 121,000 Mexicans who were already living here were granted legal permanent resident status in 2002, despite the fact that DHS had no record of them being lawfully admitted to the country. Under current law, these immigrants can claim credit for any work they performed while here illegally, in addition to work the perform after obtaining legal status. And these numbers reflect only one year.
LAW ENFORCEMENT YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THIS::::
Civil vs. Criminal Violations
Some local law enforcement officials have expressed concern in that their officers may not enforce Federal immigration law because illegal aliens have not committed a felony and, as such, the local officers may not have the authority. In fact, this distinction is irrelevant since the courts have agreed that state and local police have inherent authority to enforce all federal immigration laws against violators, whether the violation is a civil or a criminal offense. That being said, the only instance in which illegal immigration is a civil, rather than criminal, violation is when an alien either overstays his/her legal visa or violates the terms of his/her visa.
Some local law enforcement officials have expressed concern in that their officers may not enforce Federal immigration law because illegal aliens have not committed a felony and, as such, the local officers may not have the authority. In fact, this distinction is irrelevant since the courts have agreed that state and local police have inherent authority to enforce all federal immigration laws against violators, whether the violation is a civil or a criminal offense. That being said, the only instance in which illegal immigration is a civil, rather than criminal, violation is when an alien either overstays his/her legal visa or violates the terms of his/her visa.
However, if that alien then obtains employment, a criminal act has been committed – most often by the alien (presentation to the prospective employer of an expired, fake, stolen, or altered document), but sometimes by the employer (failure to comply with the I-9 process). So, most illegal aliens – even overstays – have committed a criminal violation.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony
The first time an alien crosses the border illegally, he or she is guilty of a misdemeanor. The second and subsequent times constitute felonies. Both are criminal violations. The only distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony offense is the length of potential jail time
The first time an alien crosses the border illegally, he or she is guilty of a misdemeanor. The second and subsequent times constitute felonies. Both are criminal violations. The only distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony offense is the length of potential jail time
Then there is this:::::
18 USC 911. Citizen of the United StatesWhoever falsely and willfully represents himself to be a citizen of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.