Beware of the downsides: e.g. if you accrue many days of "illegal" status, then let's say your mom is sick back in the UK, you go home to see her, and now when

Beware of the downsides: e.g. if you accrue many days of "illegal" status, then let's say your mom is sick back in the UK, you go home to see her, and now when you want to re-enter, immigration's going to say, "yeah - sorry, we remember you." Who knows if that ban will ever be lifted, but would that be worth it ? Plus, there are other things to consider that would be difficult if you got here illegally, e.g. driver's license, or renewing your passport at your own embassy here in the US (they'll ask you for documentation) That said, I'm sure it's worked out for some, but .. there are certainly risks involved here that you need to be aware of.