Your lives always had value, as much as any other, that's not the issue.  The issue is the rule of law, those who follow the rule of law and those who don't.  An immigration system is designed and enforced for a host of reasons, all with the ultimate goal of maintain the integrity, character and order of a nation.  Many nations are feeling the strain of illegal immigration and refugees, who have failed to assimilate and have become a legal and conomic burden.