This column in the LA Times (Lopez: After a year of insults, raids, arrests and exile, a celebration of the California immigrant) advocates for an open borders policy, that anyone in the country illegally for a while, should be permitted to stay in the US permanently. The column lumps all migrants – legal and illegal aliens – into a single entity..)
My state, Oregon, uses taxpayer money to fund legal assistance to illegal aliens who have been detained by the Federal government and works directly to interfere with Federal law enforcement.
It seems a better approach would be to treat illegal immigrants with civil fines and penalties – an actual cost for violating our immigration laws – but likely short of deportation (although deportation should remain an option).
(This post written with AI search assistance.)
How does this policy compare to other countries?
Most countries impose fines, formal removal, and multi‑year re‑entry bans—far harsher than the U.S. civil‑administrative model.
🌎 What Happens If You Overstay Your Visa in Each Country?
🇲🇽 Mexico
- Overstaying an FMM (tourist permit) requires paying a fine at the airport before departure.
- Typical fine: ~861 pesos, though it varies by circumstances.
- No automatic ban, but immigration has become stricter in recent years.
Bottom line: Administrative fine, then you can leave.
🇵🇪 Peru
- Overstayers must pay a fine when leaving the country; the process is standardized and expected.
- Overstay does not normally block future visas if the fine is paid properly.
Bottom line: Pay a per‑day fine; no ban if you settle it.
🇪🇨 Ecuador
- Standard tourist stay: 90 days per year.
- Overstaying can trigger fines and possible entry bans depending on duration.
- Ecuador has recently tightened enforcement.
Bottom line: Fines and potential bans.
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan is one of the strictest countries on Earth.
- Overstaying is treated as a serious immigration offense.
- Consequences include:
- Detention
- Deportation
- Re‑entry bans up to 5 years (or longer)
- Even a single day of overstay is considered a violation and can lead to removal.
Bottom line: Deportation + multi‑year ban is the norm.
🇫🇷 France (Schengen Area)
France follows Schengen rules.
- Overstaying the 90/180‑day limit triggers:
- Fines
- Deportation
- Entry bans across all 29 Schengen countries
- Permanent digital record in EU systems
- France specifically states it takes overstays very seriously and tracks all entries electronically.
Bottom line: Deportation + Schengen‑wide ban.
🇩🇪 Germany (Schengen Area)
- Overstaying is a criminal or administrative offense in Germany.
- Penalties include:
- Fines
- Deportation
- Entry bans
- Criminal charges in some cases
Bottom line: Criminal offense + removal + bans.
🇳🇴 Norway (Schengen Area)
- Same Schengen rules apply.
- Overstaying can result in:
- Fines
- Deportation
- Future visa refusals
- Entry bans across Schengen
Bottom line: Removal + Schengen‑wide ban.
🇳🇱 Netherlands (Schengen Area)
- Overstaying can lead to:
- Entry bans (“inreisverbod”)
- Fines
- Criminal prosecution in some cases
- Ban length depends on how long you overstayed.
Bottom line: Entry ban + possible prosecution.
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia is also extremely strict.
- Overstaying is a legal offense.
- Consequences include:
- Detention
- Removal
- Automatic 3‑year re‑entry ban for overstays >28 days
- Difficulty obtaining future visas
Bottom line: Deportation + 3‑year ban (minimum).
🧭 Comparative Summary Table
| Country | Fine? | Deportation? | Re‑entry Ban? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Yes | Rare | No | Pay fine at airport. |
| Peru | Yes | No | No | Pay fine; future visas unaffected. |
| Ecuador | Yes | Possible | Possible | Enforcement tightening. |
| Japan | Yes | Yes | Yes (up to 5 years) | Very strict. |
| France (Schengen) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Digital tracking; strict. |
| Germany (Schengen) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Can be criminal. |
| Norway (Schengen) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Schengen‑wide ban. |
| Netherlands (Schengen) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Entry bans common. |
| Australia | Yes | Yes | Yes (3 years) | One of the strictest. |
🔍 Summary
Compared to the U.S., most countries—especially Japan, Australia, and Schengen states—treat overstaying as a serious immigration violation with automatic bans and deportation.
Mexico and Peru are the most lenient, relying on fines rather than bans.