I am only speaking for myself, but to me immigration is not the most important issue- border security is of utmost importance and should have been since 9/11 for all Americans. Illegal immigration to me is the proof of how insecure our border is; politicians and activist groups that support illegals have made illegals the big issue.
This is why getting the border secured is at the top of my list, and I think those here illegally should be dealt with later, not as part of the same package. I believe joining the two issues will take away from the importance of securing the border.
The reason illegals have become the issue instead of border security is because illegals (especially when called immigrants instead of illegals) are more easily defended than an open border is in a time of war.
Just my opinion.
You raise some great points. I agree. Sometimes how one defines issues makes huge differences. The primary issue that should have been defined is "border security" not illegal or legal immigration - although obviously they are related.