[Modernman]

There is no question in my mind, however, that if you and I had presented that argument in 1789, we would be laughed out of town.

In the 18th century, there was no such thing as an "illegal." If you showed up in the US, you got to stay. There was also no central registry of citizens, so you were basically a citizen when you got here.

[justshutupandtakeit]

NOt totally true there was still a period of naturalization required before citizenship was conferred. There was a big stink when Congress wanted to extend the period to 7 yrs (I think) under Adams.