Due process rights concerning immigration law are sorely lacking. That is why one cannot use an analogy with criminals to immigration violators. If they were criminals, they would be entitled to far greater due process rights:
- Right to an attorney
- Burden of proof on the government to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt
- Age limits on prosecution
Far fewer people would be deported if they were treated like criminals. Immigration violators with counsel are exponentially far less likely to be deported than those without.
