I'll elaborate a bit more on a prior post of mine in this thread. Having a piece of paper does NOT, in itself, mean that the immigrant has assimilated. Focusing on Mexicans in particular, it's not only the illegals that are a problem but those who do have the proper documentation. So many of these "citizens" brazenly cling to the country of their heritage, embracing socialism, draining our country with their dependence on entitlements, waving the Mexican flag and speaking Spanish.
Calvin Coolidge had the right approach when he stated:
American institutions rest solely on good citizenship. They were created by people who had a background of self-government. New arrivals should be limited to our capacity to absorb them into the ranks of good citizenship. America must be kept American. For this purpose it is necessary to continue a policy of restricted immigration. It would be well to make such immigration of a selective nature with some inspection at the source, and based either on a prior census or upon the record of naturalization. Either method would insure the admission of those with the largest capacity and best intention of becoming citizen. Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit ought not to settle in America.
Remember this unforgettable incident from a few years ago at Montebello High School in California?
Well, it wasn't done by illegals! The goons who did this despicable act were just as American as you or I. At least on paper. Of course, the reality is far different. Indeed, the words of President Coolidge, who was greatly admired by President Ronald Reagan reverberate every time I hear a politician of any stripe proclaim that we should indiscriminately welcome immigrants:
Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit ought not to settle in America.