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(Again, this is NOT legal advice, so consult with an attorney in your jurisdiction that handles this body of law.)
The important thing about getting into the US, staying in, and changing status to PERMANENT resident then US Citizen is this: DO NOT FALL OUT OF STATUS. Don't let your legal status lapse or else it would be ONE HELL of a hassle and yes, you'd be technically an illegal alien. After 9/11, removals (previously known as deportations) have skyrocketed.
One possible saving grace is the BCIS' 247i waiver system. This used to be quite liberal and allowed people who have fallen out of status or committed fraud re their immigration paperwork etc etc to get a waiver and clean their status and get on the road to permanent residency. This has been WEAKENED A LOT due to 9/11 (understandably so!).
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