There is no such thing as “non-criminal migrants,” as illegal presence in the U.S. is inherently a crime. MSNBC’s framing of illegal immigrants as “migrants” softens this legal reality.
Entering or staying in the U.S. without authorization violates federal law under 8 U.S.C. § 1325 (improper entry), currently a misdemeanor for first offenses, and § 1326 (reentry after deportation), which is a felony. A misdemeanor is still a crime, punishable by up to six months in jail for improper entry. However, given the severe impact of illegal immigration, improper entry under § 1325 should be escalated to a felony to reflect its gravity.
Beyond the initial violation, illegal immigrants commit additional offenses to sustain their presence, such as using fraudulent documents, working without authorization, or evading law enforcement. MSNBC’s label of “non-criminal migrants” and focus on their daily activities sidesteps the core issue—that their very presence breaks U.S. law.
What’s wrong with this reporter, ignoring clear legal violations to push a misleading narrative? This rhetorical shift ignores the legal framework, weakens immigration enforcement, and obscures accountability.
The truth is straightforward: illegal immigration involves lawbreaking, and denying this distorts the debate and is the problem. Is this reporter so indoctrinated she can’t see the truth, complicit in breaking the law, or knowingly serving as a pawn for a biased agenda driven by money and politics?