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by Hero (19.4k points)
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You are a felon the moment you cross the border without permission. I know you know that, so why play games.

The second you cross into the US illegally, you are a felon. Plain and simple. Don't try to lessen what it is.

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by Visionary (33.2k points)
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Under 8 U.S. Code § 1325, improper entry into the United States is classified as a misdemeanor for first-time offenses, punishable by a fine under title 18 or imprisonment not more than 6 months, or both. Not quite the felony the claim suggests.

Only repeat offenses or illegal reentry after deportation can potentially carry felony charges under different sections of immigration law (such as 8 U.S.C. § 1326). 

The American Immigration Council also distinguishes between "illegal entry" (misdemeanor) and "illegal reentry" (felony). 

False
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ago by Newbie (300 points)

The claim that "the second you cross into the US illegally you are a felon" is false. According to 8 U.S Code 1325, entering the U.S. without permission is a misdemeanor, not a felony, for first time offenders. people caught crossing the border illegally for the first time can face up to six months of jail or a fine but that does not make them felons. law.cornell.edu 

It only becomes a felony under 8 U.S Code 1326 if someone was already deported or removed and then reenter the country without permission. In those cases, prison time can be much higher, raging from 2 to 20 years in prison depending on the person criminal history. codes.findlaw.com 

Legal experts and organizations like the American Immigration Council  also explains that first item level entry is a misdemeanor not a felony. americanimmigrationcouncil.org
 

False

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