Home Legal Rights Don’t Try to Enter Illegally into the US!

Don’t Try to Enter Illegally into the US!

Don't Try to Enter Illegally into the US!

Introduction

Illegal entry into the United States is a worldwide phenomenon, with countless individuals making attempts at crossing the border every year. While some come with the hope of finding better opportunities, many others seek to escape from violence and persecution in their home country. Yet, regardless of their reasons, the fact remains that attempting to enter the United States without proper documentation is a criminal offense.

In recent years, illegal immigration has become an increasingly contentious issue in American politics, with heated debates surrounding the necessity and morality of building a border wall, separating families, and refugee policies. While many lay blame at the feet of the immigrants, the reality is that the onus is not solely on them. In this article, we will discuss why entering the US illegally is not only morally wrong but also practically dangerous.

What is Illegal Entry?

Illegal entry refers to the act of entering into a country’s borders without permission or proper documentation. In the U.S., individuals who choose to cross the border without following the necessary legal procedures and protocols to enter are subject to penalties because it’s a violation of the nation’s immigration laws. Illegal immigration is a global issue; however, in the United States, it has been a political and moral debate for a long time.

Reasons for Illegal Entry

There are various reasons why people choose to enter the United States without proper documentation. Some of the most common reasons are:

1. Searching for Better Economic Opportunities- Many individuals come to the US in search of jobs with higher wages compared to their home country. A lot of them believe that the economic opportunities here are more extensive and can improve their quality of life.

2. Fleeing Violence and Persecution – Some individuals migrate to the US to escape violence or persecution in their country of origin. Those fleeing from wars, gang violence, religious or ethnic persecution, and human rights violations are examples.

3. Reuniting with Family – Family reunification is another reason why many people, such as children, parents, and siblings, enter the US illegally. In most cases, the path to legal entry for family members is long and difficult, and often they are willing to take the illegal route to come together with their loved ones.

The Risks of Illegal Entry

While migrants may have their various reasons for illegally entering the US, the risks that come with it are significant. In this section, we will discuss some of the dangers that people face in their attempt to enter the US without proper documentation.

1. Physical harm – Crossing the border without authorization exposes people to physical dangers such as death, injury from climbing over fences or wading through rivers, and extreme weather conditions.

Despite these threatening circumstances, many people continue to take the risk of illegal entry, especially those fleeing violence and persecution in their home country.

2. Potential Separation from Family- Illegal migration can negatively impact families because it may result in the separation of family members. Immigrant children may be separated from their parents, whom US immigration officials detain them.

3. Deportation – Illegal entry is a criminal offense, and those who are caught can face imprisonment, deportation, or both.

4. Exploitation and Trafficking – Illegal migrants are more susceptible to exploitation and trafficking by traffickers. Exploitation can include forced labor and sex trade, with few legal safeguards.

5. Financial Ruin – Moving to a new country and starting life over can be challenging, even for those who enter legitimately. When entering illegally, the inherent financial burden of legal fees, lawyer’s fees, and other costs associated with the process can be high.

Why Entering the US Illegally is Unsafe to The American Population

Illegal migration presents several dangers to the host communities and the United States economy. The effects are complicated and require careful thought and consideration. In this section, we will discuss some of the reasons why illegal entry is dangerous to the American population.

1. Drains the public coffers – Illegal aliens are not entitled to social security, unemployment benefits, and other state benefits, creating a large burden for public services. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, illegal immigration costs the US at least$54.5 billion each year.

2. Increased Crime Rates – Research has shown that illegal immigrants have higher crime rates than legal immigrants or US citizens. They are more susceptible to committing crimes such as drug trafficking, as well as human trafficking. These crimes are linked to increased violence, which is a threat to the safety and security of American communities.

3. Reduces Employment Opportunities -Illegal immigrants work in low-wage jobs and often compete with citizens for limited jobs. This competition can lead to increased joblessness and unemployment rates.

4. Strains Resources- Undocumented migrants consume many public goods such as schools, hospitals, and police services. This overburdens the government services, making them harder for legal residents to access.

5. Heightened Risk of Terrorism – Illegal immigration makes it challenging to vet migrants, allowing terrorists to enter and cause harm to US citizens.

What Happens if Caught Entering The US Illegally

Illegal migrants found in the country can be detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and handed over to immigration courts for deportation proceedings. It’s a nerve-racking and emotionally challenging period for those involved, and often the penalties for illegal cross-border entry are severe.

According to the Migration Policy Institution, the number of unauthorized immigrants apprehended by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been on a continuous decline since peaking in 2000. Nevertheless, in 2020, there were 3,624 deaths on the US-Mexican border, highlighting the inherent danger of entering the US without following the proper legal process.

Legal Immigration Options

There are legal ways to immigrate and live in the US. If you wish to move to the US, there are several immigration options available. These options include work visas, student visas, family-based visas, and asylum.

1. Work Visas-You can find work in the US and apply for a work visa. You can apply for a temporary visa that lasts up to six years, and in that time, you can apply for permanent residency. Employment tends to be the most common way that people move to the US legally.

2. Student Visas- Another option is to obtain an F1 visa and study in the US, giving you the opportunity to work and also apply for permanent residency. However, you must be accepted by an accredited institution, such as a college or university in the US.

3. Family-Based Visas- To receive a family-based immigrant visa, you must have an immediate family member, such as a spouse, sibling, parent, or child, who is either a US citizen or permanent resident and is willing to sponsor you.

4. Asylum- This option is available for individuals fleeing persecution and violence in their home country. Asylum in the US means that refugees are legally allowed to live and work here.

Conclusion

Illegal entry into the United States is a criminal offense, posing many dangers to those attempting it, along with challenges for the host country. It’s worth noting that there are legal immigration options where applicants can live and work in the US without fear of deportation or exploitation.

While illegal migration presents challenging problems that require rigorous policy debates, it’s essential to remember the immense risks that people face when attempting to enter the US without proper documentation. With empathy and an unwavering commitment to finding effective solutions, policymakers can develop a comprehensive immigration system that prioritizes border safety, humanitarian assistance, and fair enforcement of US immigration laws.


In order to legally enter into the United States, a foreign individual must obtain the proper paperwork. He/she must complete the proper visa application and be authorized an immigrant or a non-immigrant visa. If an individual gain entry into the U.S. without the appropriate documentation, he/she has unlawfully entered into the country. Gaining illegal entry into the United States is a criminal offense. When an individual is caught illegally entering into the U.S., he/she will be returned to his/her country of citizenship.

In addition, he/she may be issued a ban, which will prohibit him/her from entering into the United States for a specified period of time. However, in order to obtain this ban, an individual must reside in to country unlawfully for more than 150 days. An individual may be issued a fine or may be incarcerated for unlawfully entering the U.S., though, in most cases, an individual caught attempting entry will simply be returned to his/her country.