Overstaying a visa and hoping you get a green card is not "following the rules". People are complaining that they show up for interviews to get a green card, and they are being arrested and deported. You are supposed to do that FROM YOUR HOME COUNTRY. Ignoring your tourist visa expiration and hoping that you eventually get a green card, while waiting in the USA, means you are now an illegal alien. You deserve to be deported.(Wall Street Mav)