Legal experts say the reality of being in the U.S. without legal status is more nuanced, even as public debate often labels undocumented immigrants as criminals. In most cases, immigration violations are a civil matter, even though they are frequently described in criminal terms. “Undocumented immigrant isn’t a legal term,” said Ana Pottratz Acosta, a professor of law at the University of Minnesota. “When public officials refer to undocumented immigrants as criminals, is that legally accurate?” reporter Brittney Ermon asked. Law experts explained with the legal complexity, understanding the difference between civil immigration violations and criminal charges is central to clearing up misconceptions.