Illegal immigration is the process by which an unauthorized individual has entered the country without proper approval by the government. Alternatively illegal immigration can include those individuals who stay behind the term of their visa without obtaining extensions or following the necessary process for residency or citizenship. Illegal immigration has become a political hot button because there are certain groups asking that illegal immigrants be granted exceptions when it comes to residency and that they receive government-funded benefits. The numbers are up in terms of illegal immigration, particularly within the United States, in spite of efforts to bump up control at the borders.