And they more than likely went through what immigration hurdles existed at the time, my mothers parents were both immigrants, one from Spain, the other from Mexico. My Grandfather was hired for his knowledge of the sheep and wool industries, my Grandmother because of her fathers past in the same field. My fathers Mother was a trained educator from England, who was hired to teach in a remote area of Nebraska.
 They all had to legally apply for citizenship, pass the necessary testing, and take the oath required of every citizen seeking citizenship, they didn't sneak into the country, nor did they overstay their welcome by ignoring a legal entry or work visa. In other words they played by the rules, and simply ignoring the rules for others, cheapens the work and commitment that millions of legal immigrants went through.
 Yes we are a nation of immigrants, we are a nation of laws as well, it's time we started to enforce those laws, with consistency and compassion.