Many illegal immigrants are here because they've claimed asylum.

Here's how it works. If migrants claims to be afraid to go back to their country because of their race, religion, nationality or politics, the US lets them stay to pursue an asylum application.

Just saying the word "asylum" is enough to enter our country. 

A hearing on the claim may not happen for years. And even if asylum isn't granted, migrants are rarely removed.

The real question is whether the migrants' stated fears of persecution are true.

But the federal government found that 86 percent of those claiming asylum here in America weren't legitimate. And in Sweden, researchers found that 80 percent of asylum seekers actually vacationed in their home countries.

There's nothing wrong with seeking a better life in a new country. But it needs to be done legally — and honestly.