what happens if i become illegal?

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Meh. This is a game of semantics. Neither the INA nor Code of Federal Regulations define the term "illegal alien", though it's used several times in 8 CFR as a general reference to aliens without lawful presence. Several dictionaries, including Random House and Webster, define the term to apply to both EWI's and overstays. That alone should be enough to say that it would not be grammatically incorrect to refer to someone who overstays their visa as an "illegal alien".

"Illegal immigrant", on the other hand... This term does not exist in immigration law because it's an oxymoron. A person who is an "immigrant" under immigration law has lawful status. A person who is "illegal" does not. It's not possible to be both an "immigrant" and "illegal".

"Undocumented immigrant" is a politically correct euphemism used by people who are offended by the term "illegal".

Semantics, indeed, Jim, but we somehow need to distinguish between EWIs and Out of Status for the simple reason because it makes all the difference in the world when it comes to immigration and, more specific, AOS. You wouldn't believe how many people are asking questions on various immigration sites about AOS issues and every single time we need to figure out whether or not they are EWIs or out of status. For that very practical reason, clinging to semantics here makes sense.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Semantics, indeed, Jim, but we somehow need to distinguish between EWIs and Out of Status for the simple reason because it makes all the difference in the world when it comes to immigration and, more specific, AOS. You wouldn't believe how many people are asking questions on various immigration sites about AOS issues and every single time we need to figure out whether or not they are EWIs or out of status. For that very practical reason, clinging to semantics here makes sense.

Then we should not use ambiguous terms like "illegal alien" when the distinction between lawful and unlawful entry is critical. "Illegal alien" means unlawful presence. "EWI" means unlawful entry.

[SunDrop 59]

Lol. I was being tongue-in-cheek, but when I wrote that I was thinking particularly of the carefully worded questions on the petition and visa application forms that ask if you, during the 1940s, yada yada yada were affiliated with the fascist regime of Germany. So old timers. If there was such a thing as an illegal person, they'd be right at the top of the list. They may actually be illegal per se.

Neo nazis merely have distasteful political opinions until they break the law. Old school nazis may be illegal people, per se.

Yup, I gotcha. Don't think Castro would stand much hope either...

Actually, Boiler, this is the one time I have to disagree. I entered Manchester, England on a VWP without a return ticket. The officers at the gate gave me hell, but they let me in the country.

Is that something the US requires?

Even though they call it a reciprocal agreement, the VWP I mean, it's not necessarily the same conditions. For example, entering the US on a normal VWP grants you 90 days. Enter the UK on a normal VWP grants you 6 months.

[featherB 1]

Actually, Boiler, this is the one time I have to disagree. I entered Manchester, England on a VWP without a return ticket. The officers at the gate gave me hell, but they let me in the country.

Is that something the US requires?

The VWP is for travel TO the US, right...? So if you were visiting the UK from the US, you weren't using the VWP. Unless I'm misunderstanding your post, of course. The VWP does require a return or onward ticket, AFAIK.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

The VWP is for travel TO the US, right...? So if you were visiting the UK from the US, you weren't using the VWP. Unless I'm misunderstanding your post, of course. The VWP does require a return or onward ticket, AFAIK.

You are correct. The UK doesn't call it the VWP, but a similar program to the VWP does exist for the UK, same for Australia. In Australia it's called ETA here: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/976/eligibility.htm I just personally find it easier to call it the VWP so people know what I'm talking about.

[Fandango 1,439]

Who cares how they do it in England and how the flip is that relevant here?

[JoannaV 174]

The websites say that they may ask for proof of return/onward travel, or for proof of your purpose in visiting. So it may be that you could produce a pile of proof showing that, for example, you were here on business and had to attend 3 meetings and would be staying at X hotel and did not know if you would have to meet someone the following week so did not have a return ticket but had plenty of money with which to buy a one way business class ticket home. I'm sure that it's the same as everything else: if you have a lot of money you can do anything

Also, I think maybe the StarX entered with a return ticket but then stayed past that date?

Edited November 25, 2010 by JoannaV