Federal · Title 8 — Aliens and Nationality

8 U.S.C. § 1325: Improper entry by alien

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Federal law penalizes aliens who enter the U.S. illegally, evade inspection, or use false statements to gain entry. First offense: up to 6 months imprisonment or fine. Subsequent offenses: up to 2 years imprisonment or fine. Marriage or business fraud to evade immigration law: up to 5 years imprisonment.

Read the full statutory text

Any alien who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers, or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers, or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both. at least $50 and not more than $250 for each such entry (or attempted entry); or twice the amount specified in paragraph (1) in the case of an alien who has been previously subject to a civil penalty under this subsection. Any individual who knowingly enters into a marriage for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined not more than $250,000, or both. Any individual who knowingly establishes a commercial enterprise for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, fined in accordance with title 18, or both.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.