Despite being a derogatory term, the phrase 'Illegal Immigrant' triggers defamation and anyone using the phrase should be sued for Libel.
Overstaying a Visa is NOT a criminal offense. Beyond the overstay, illegal presence within the borders of the United States is NOT a crime; it's a civil violation.
That's according to the existing laws of the land.. For EWI individuals, the criminality of the 'act of uninspected entry' can be argued. But for over-stayers, there is no criminal act. Calling an individual "criminal" (which is what the term "illegal" essentially implies) while under the legal definition NO crime has been committed, is not right to say the least. A DUI offense is far more severe than a civil violation of the immigration law.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikesandy
I'd like to have a frank discussion about the term "illegal immigrant". I argued about the immigration issue (DREAM Act) on another forum that I was banned from because of my opinion and conclusions I had made about the DREAM Act. Does it make more sense to call the immigrants "Non-native immigrants", instead of "illegal immigrants"? I tried to explain that term on the site I was banned from, but they laughed at the phrase and still referred to them as illegals.
There is a website here that attempts to create a national outcry to drop usage of the I-word. I urge you all to visit this site, sign this petition and please express your views. Using the I-word is just as bad as calling someone "retarded" or some other word with a negative connotation to it.
http://colorlines.com/droptheiword/ |