Illegal is Illegal

The Semantics of “Illegal” vs “Undocumented”

I will begin by stating unequivocally, that I am 100% in favor of LEGAL IMMIGRATION and I believe we need more of it.  I am a second generation American with Sicilian heritage. My grandfather came here legally through Ellis Island in 1906. I am pro-immigration, when it is done legally through the proper channels.

However, I am tired of playing semantics with the word illegal. Words mean things, and the fact that the left wants to use the word undocumented rather than illegal is because they do not want to point out the obvious. What these people are doing when they cross the border without permission is just that, illegal. It is against the law and in violation of 8 U.S.C. §1325, which addresses improper entry by alien and is a crime, not civil as some would like to have you believe. And those who aide those who have crossed illegally are guilty under 8 U.S.C. §1324, which covers bringing in and harboring certain aliens. These crimes are not trivial things. If these individuals legitimately need to seek asylum, they need to go through the proper channels to do so, there is no shortcut.

The push to soften language around illegal immigration ignores the reality that entering without authorization is a misdemeanor under federal law, punishable by fines or imprisonment. Similarly, aiding such entries can lead to severe penalties, including up to five years in prison for harboring. This semantic shift aims to downplay the criminality, but laws exist to protect borders and sovereignty.

The Legal Framework and Asylum Process

We are a Constitutional Republic, a nation of laws, without which we are no longer a country. We need to ensure that we can enforce our laws and that those laws are respected. The foundation of U.S. immigration law emphasizes controlled entry, with violations treated as criminal offenses. For asylum seekers, the process requires applying through official channels, such as submitting Form I-589 while physically present in the U.S. or at a port of entry. Bypassing these steps undermines the system designed to verify claims of persecution.

Proper asylum applications must occur within one year of arrival, and individuals can work legally after 150 days if their case is pending. However, illegal crossings circumvent these safeguards, leading to backlogs and unfair advantages over those who follow rules. Enforcing 8 U.S.C. §1325 and §1324 is essential to maintain order, as these statutes deter unauthorized entries and support for them.

Burden on Social Services

Then there is the fact that these individuals tax our system by tapping into social services meant to help the most vulnerable Americans who are in need. Draining an already overly burdened system bursting at the seams. A system that cannot support the citizens, let alone non-citizens. Studies show that 59 percent of households headed by illegal immigrants use at least one major welfare program, compared to lower rates among native-born households. This includes food assistance, housing subsidies, and cash benefits, straining resources intended for U.S. citizens.

The impact extends nationwide, with illegal immigration contributing to increased demands on public benefits, despite restrictions on eligibility for many programs. In states like Colorado, this pressure exacerbates budget shortfalls, as funds are diverted to cover unexpected costs. Social services, already stretched thin, face higher caseloads, leading to longer wait times and reduced aid for legal residents.

Healthcare Crisis in Colorado

And then there is the burden on our healthcare system, our emergency rooms that are filled with nonpaying or Medicaid government subsidized healthcare for, wait for it, non-citizens here in Colorado to the tune of more than $340 million last year alone and we wonder why the legislatures budget is out of control? Federal investigations have highlighted Colorado's spending on healthcare for illegal immigrants, with costs spiking significantly in recent years. Programs like Emergency Medicaid, which covers urgent care for ineligible non-citizens, account for a portion of state expenditures, contributing to overall fiscal strain.

In 2024, Colorado saw healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants rise dramatically, from initial estimates to millions more due to influxes. This includes emergency services and subsidized plans, overburdening hospitals and taxpayers. The state's OmniSalud program, providing insurance to those ineligible for federal aid, further adds to the tab. Such expenditures highlight misplaced priorities, as citizens face rising premiums and limited access.

Priorities for Citizens and Budget Rules

The priorities should be on citizens first, taking care of our own, ensuring we have healthy families. Then, when they are taken care of, if there is left over, we can afford to help others. The first rule of budgeting is to first pay your own bills before you pay someone elses, otherwise your car or house is going to be repossessed, or your children will go hungry. The Colorado legislature has broken the cardinal rule.

Colorado's $800 million budget shortfall in 2025 underscores this mismanagement, with immigration-related costs playing a role in the deficit. Legislation like Senate Bill 25-007 seeks to repeal subsidized healthcare for undocumented immigrants, aiming to redirect funds to citizens. Denver alone spent nearly $95 million on migrant services from 2022 to 2024, cutting into other essential programs.

Nationally, while illegal immigrants contribute taxes, their use of services often exceeds contributions in net terms, particularly in welfare-heavy states. Prioritizing citizens aligns with fiscal responsibility, preventing repossession of our national resources.

Prosecute and Deport

We should be prosecuting and deporting these illegals, not paying for them. Enforcement of existing laws, including deportations under immigration statutes, is crucial to alleviate burdens. By focusing on legal channels for asylum and cracking down on violations, the U.S. can restore order and protect its systems. Colorado's experiences serve as a warning: unchecked illegal immigration leads to unsustainable costs and eroded public trust.