Quote Originally Posted by Judy View Post
This is the interpretation of immigration lawyers. Remember that.

Unlawful presence is illegal and corrected by deportation.

Improper entry is illegal entry, resulting in unlawful presence, making you an illegal alien, subject to deportation. Deportation is not punishment for a crime. Deportation versus imprisonment, is a civil action under the law to correct your unlawful presence by removing you from the country and sending you home. Civil Fines are also imposed to pay for the costs of deportation and discourage such improper entries and unlawful presence. The fines probably need to be much higher than they are and include RICO type laws that confiscate all personal and business property and assets.
Excellent point.
A lot of times the smallest of nuances is the whole argument.
Argument #1: they came legally and overstayed.
Argument #2: they came illegally and are still here.

In BOTH cases the outcome should be deportation.