The Washington Times
Nearly half of the 10 million to 12 million illegal aliens now in the United States entered the country legally, but never left.
Carrying visas and U.S.-approved border crossing cards, they were inspected by immigration officers at 300 sea, air and land ports of entry and many -- according to a year-old U.S. Customs and Border Protection policy -- were told to "Have a nice day."
A little-noticed study by the Washington-based Pew Hispanic Center says 45 percent of America's illegal alien population -- 4.5 million to 6 million -- carried legally issued border crossing cards for short-term visits or business and tourist visas for longer but temporary stays.
Ultimately, they became what the government refers to as "overstayers," hiding in plain sight, working, sending their children to school and using health care services.
Posted by Richard at June 20, 2006