Member-only story
The Criminalization of Immigrants: Fact vs. Fiction
This rhetoric, often used to justify harsh immigration policies, is not only legally incorrect but also fails to acknowledge the significant contributions undocumented individuals make to American society.
The Criminalization of Immigrants: Fact vs. Fiction
When discussing immigration in the U.S., a common but misleading claim is that undocumented immigrants are “criminals” simply because they lack legal status. This rhetoric, often used to justify harsh immigration policies, is not only legally incorrect but also fails to acknowledge the significant contributions undocumented individuals make to American society.
The Legal Reality: Immigration Status Is a Civil, Not Criminal, Issue
Under U.S. law, being in the country without documentation is a civil violation, not a criminal offense. Entering the U.S. without authorization is a misdemeanor, but simply overstaying a visa — how many undocumented immigrants arrive — is not a crime at all. It’s an administrative violation, much like missing a tax filing deadline. Yet, anti-immigrant rhetoric deliberately conflates…
