Originally Posted by potter

Seriously, slow down and just think for a minute.

Here, I can provide you with a question that might snap your mind into realizing the error in your thinking.

Because you say it's "permanent residency", and that because an illegal *might* get deported - they can't be considered "permanent". Therefore, by your logic - you could never be considered an "immigrant" / "permanent resident" until AFTER you were dead. Because if you are still alive there is the possibility of you leaving, moving, or being deported.

So think about that for a second. You're saying even legals can't be called immigrants. Because what if tomorrow they suddenly left?

Right? Following the logic now?

So if I moved here from another country legally, and planned to stay here forever. Normally I'd be called an immigrant. BUT you're saying just the sheer fact something might happen which would cause me to leave - I can't be called an immigrant. So in order for me to be called an immigrant with your logic I'd have to move someplace, live there all my life, then die. So there would be no doubt that my residency was indeed "permanent".

Now to circle back. An illegal is still an immigrant if they came here to live permanently. Just because they there is a chance they *might* get caught and deported doesn't change the fact they moved here to live permanently. Again, think about that for a second and then reread the definition below.

im·mi·grant noun \ˈi-mə-grənt\
: one that immigrates: as a : a person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence