What makes an alien an illegal alien?

Answer 1

Immigration laws vary by country, but in general an illegal alien is one who is not in a recognized immigration status in their host country. This can happen when the alien enters the country without permission, or enters with permission but does not leave when the time for their legal stay expires.

There are many types of legal status short of citizenship. Examples in the U.S.A. would include aliens visiting on tourist visas, aliens present on business or employment visas, and students and researchers visiting on education-based visas. These are all "legal" aliens.

It should also be noted that "illegal" and "criminal" are not strictly synonymous. Crossing the U.S. border illegally is a crime, while overstaying a visa is a civil rather than a criminal offense. A more commonplace example of this legal distinction would be the difference between say double parking and driving under the influence of alcohol. Both are illegal, but only the latter is criminal (laws in your jurisdiction may vary).

Answer 2

It depends on the laws of your country. In some places they can marry a citizen and then apply for citizenship. If the marriage is valid then they may get residency or citizenship.

More Specific Answer:An illegal alien is a foreigner who lacks permission to be physically present in Another Country. For example, there are millions of illegal aliens who live and work in the United States, some of whom have been here for decades. What makes them illegal is that they do not have valid visas or work permits.

An foreigner becomes an illegal alien by:

1. Overstaying a visa or visa waiver (e.g., arriving as a tourist and not leaving after six months);
2. Otherwise violating the terms of a visa (i.e., by working without a work permit, by entering on a student visa and failing to attend school, etc.);
3. Entering the country surreptitiously and bypassing customs officials;
4. Committing fraud or using a false identify or counterfeit documents.