The Senator from Michigan and I very carefully crafted our language to provide a broadbased exception from these penalties for any individual who could demonstrate good cause for remaining in the United States without authorization. Why were we so careful to include this exception. Mr. President? Quite simply. there are many good reasons why an individual might not leave the United States immediately after their visa expires. Perhaps they have become ill. Perhaps a family member has become ill. Maybe they need a short extension to raise the money to leave the country. There are a variety of reasons. some legitimate. some not.