We are nation of LEGAL immigrants.
Can't the same sentiments be expressed w/o repeating the tired 'we're a nation of immigrants' line? It wouldn't be so bad if this simplistic (and technically false) platitude was not used so often in the debate over the very complex issue of immigration. But since it is, it has become a line most often used to advance leftist views; a way to make people feel guilty for not embracing unending mass immigration and amnesty.
The truth is the truth. Our lack of control of our borders does not make it any less true. Hell most families have been in this country less than 200 years. My moms family came to the USA from Germany in the 1880's. My dads(Germany) has been here since the 1840's. When compared with European history timelines most of us have been here only for a short while. Your beef is all abour border control and our lack of it. Immigration is just a side effect of the larger question. Nothing simple about that.
We are nation of LEGAL immigrants.