我查了一下，果然2025年修改了法律：
Criminal Penalties (Recent Changes): Under the Visa Overstays Penalties Act (and related 2025 legislation), certain overstays can now be prosecuted as federal crimes.
Overstay > 1 year Civil + Criminal 10-year bar; higher risk of prosecution (up to 2 years jail).
这个女士逾期超过一年，可判两年徒刑。但是没关她，直接驱逐出境。
看来我们的联邦法律是越来越苛刻了。
JohnnyChange 发表评论于 2026-03-26 14:11:25
From Gemini:
While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, "illegal" and "crime" represent two different layers of the legal system. The primary distinction lies in the severity and the type of law being broken.
1. Scope and Definition
Illegal: This is a broad, umbrella term. It refers to any act that is forbidden by law, a rule, or an official regulation. It includes everything from minor parking violations to serious felonies.
Crime: This is a specific subset of illegal activities. A crime is an act that violates public law and is considered an offense against the state or society as a whole, rather than just an individual.
2. Civil vs. Criminal Law
The difference usually comes down to which court system handles the violation:
Civil Violations (Illegal but not always a Crime)
These are actions that violate administrative rules or private rights.
Examples: Breaching a contract, copyright infringement, or failing to follow zoning laws.
Consequences: Usually results in fines, restitution, or a court order to stop a specific action (injunction). These do not typically result in a "criminal record."
Criminal Violations (Crimes)
These are acts specifically defined in the penal code because they threaten the safety or moral order of the public.
Examples: Theft, assault, or fraud.
Consequences: These can lead to more severe penalties, including probation, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.
