Quote:
Originally Posted by preciousjeni
If I'm not mistaken, "illegal" immigration is a civil offense and doesn't become criminal until a person is deported and then returns again without documentation. Like I said, I could be wrong, so I'd appreciate confirmation from someone who knows.
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Inadmissibility/Deportation charges under section 212 and 237 of the INA are administrative but can lead to criminal charges if the alien is deemed to be a criminal alien, i.e. making false claims, smuggling, etc. Illegal entry following a deportation order is a criminal offense. Immigration law is pretty complex and murky, to really get into it would take a whole thread.
BTW, I'd much rather deal with a speeding ticket than served with a NTA for an immigration hearing. Not fun at all.