Legalization changes the law so that an activity that was previously illegal becomes lawful.[1] Decriminalization, by contrast, removes or reduces criminal penalties while the conduct may remain prohibited and subject to civil penalties.[2]
Proponents of libertarianism support legalization of what they regard as victimless crimes, such as recreational drug and alcohol use, gun ownership, and prostitution.
In United States immigration law, registry is a discretionary process through which certain noncitizens who entered the United States before January 1, 1972, and have resided continuously in the country since entry may obtain lawful permanent resident status. Applicants must also satisfy statutory requirements concerning admissibility, good moral character, eligibility for citizenship, and specified deportability grounds.[3]
See also
Notes
- ↑ Sacco, Lisa N. (7 April 2022). The Evolution of Marijuana as a Controlled Substance and the Federal-State Policy Gap (Report). Congressional Research Service. p. 64. R44782. Retrieved 5 August 2026.
- ↑ "Decriminalization". Wex. Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. Retrieved 5 August 2026.
- ↑ "8 U.S.C. § 1259: Record of admission for permanent residence in the case of certain aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972". United States Code. Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved 5 August 2026.