Yesterday I read discussion concerning the legality or the illegality of entering the company illegally.
In April, CNN’s Abby Phillip boldly declared, “Coming into the country illegally is a civil offense, not a criminal offense.” In March, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) went even further on MSNBC, flat-out claiming that entering the U.S. illegally is “not a crime” at all.
Which is it?
From AMAC Newsline:
“Under 8 U.S. Code Section 1325, it is a federal misdemeanor to cross into the United States without authorization at a legal port of entry. First-time illegal entry is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine. If you’re caught, deported, and then re-enter the U.S. again without authorization, you’ve committed a felony under 8 U.S. Code Section 1326, and you can face up to two years in prison, or more if aggravating factors apply.
In other words, entering the country illegally is a crime. Entering illegally again is a serious crime. The only time a “civil violation” applies is in the case of visa overstays – when someone enters legally and then fails to leave.
Even if we accept the premise that overstaying a visa is “only” a civil offense, does that somehow make it okay? Should we excuse it? Calling something a “civil offense” doesn’t mean “not illegal.” It just means it’s processed differently.”
So to me it seems crystal clear that despite what’s said on CNN, or what Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) says, entering the country illegally indeed is a crime!
6/20/25