Interesting proposition. Unfortunately, the analogy doesn't hold, because recidivism rates for shoplifters are fucking nuts (84% within 5 years of the first offense among people imprisoned for shoplifting and 30-40% among offenders who are convicted but not actually sent to prison for it). 30% of those re-arrests (post-prison) are for violent crimes. 51% of them are for burglary.
Violating national borders indicates, at a bare minimum, a lack of respect for boundaries and the law. It's also an ongoing crime in itself -- it is unlawful to enter the United States without authorization and it is also unlawful to be in the United States without authorization. People who say "human beings aren't illegal" are literally in error, as "illegal aliens" are factually violating the law with their mere presence.
If you are willing to live as a literal criminal, vulnerable to arrest and deportation at any time resulting from any encounter with police or federal agents, you clearly don't give a shit about (at least) the law you're breaking. Why would anyone believe you're "just skipping that one" but you totally respect the rest, especially when (at least) 21% (in 2021) of deportees were caught trying to re-enter? A repeat offender can't claim ignorance, yet here they are, in abundance.
The bottom line is illegals are criminals and should be treated as such. If they want to reapply for a Visa or other authorization to enter the US legally, I'm happy to treat them neutrally. Otherwise, they are beneath me and deserve nothing but suspicion and punishment.
