The American Revolution would have lost but for aid from France and Holland. Yes, we put up an impressive fight, maintained or restored morale under very tough conditions, and that was necessary. But far from sufficient. The Civil War example doesn't work either. The North had worse military leadership for a long time. But it was able to change that. Once it did, its superior resources combined with good leadership to win. With inferior resources, the North probably would not have won. At best, it would have had to let the South alone.
What is your plausible story line for a turnaround on immigration? What factors that block immigration reform are going to change, and how and why? I don't see the way out of this, realistically.
The very things you cited as differences are, in fact, supporting parallels.
The leadership (politicians) can be changed if we the people are willing to commit more resources (not just supporting the good candidates financially, but by voting and making ourselves heard every chance we get). I'm a youngin', so I'm kinda new to the political machine, so anyone have any suggestions as to what we can do other than sit on our @$$es typing?