During a CNN NewsNight debate, panelist Maria Elena Salinas expressed her opposition to the term 'illegal alien,' asserting that entering the U.S. without documents should not be considered a crime, preferring the term 'undocumented.' She contended that it is a misunderstanding of legal definitions, as entry without documents constitutes a misdemeanor. Conservative commentator Ben Ferguson disagreed, emphasizing that it is indeed against the law. The discussion highlighted differing viewpoints on immigration terminology and the interpretation of 8 U.S.C. 1325 regarding unlawful entry into the U.S.
I don't like to use the word illegal, Salinas said. It is undocumented. Coming into the country without documents is not illegal. It is not a crime.
It's against the law! Ferguson said. It is a misdemeanor just like DUI is a misdemeanor, Salinas said.
The text of 8 U.S.C. 1325 reads as follows: Any alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers... shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months.
If they cross the border illegally, it is a type of crime, Phillip said.
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