"Illegal" used to mean "against the law".
I guess it depends on what your definition of "illegal" is.
I don't believe what is or isn't illegal depends on an individual's definition. If you do something that breaks the law, you've done something illegal. Depending on the severity of the crime, it can be a misdemeanor or a felony.
Illegal immigration is a crime. Each year the Border Patrol apprehends hundreds of thousands of aliens who violate our nation's laws by unlawfully crossing U.S. borders. Such
illegal entry is a misdemeanor, and, if repeated after being deported,
becomes punishable as a felony.It is unusual for someone to be held for a misdemeanor? Most often, they are assigned a day and time to appear in court, where they can be arraigned and will have the opportunity to enter a plea. If found guilty, the consequences vary depending on the violation.