You are correct. I also think that Jeb in particular, but several other prominent Republicans, do the left's job for them when they start talking about having "compassion" for those who are here illegally. This implies that the opposing position compassionate. Because the majority of GOP voters are supporting these uncompassionate candidates, it gives credence to the lie that Republicans in general are not compassionate when it comes to immigration issues. What could be more compassionate than taking the steps to ensure that the legal residents of this country who are most at risk -those who are marginally skilled, not familiar with our culture and lacking a sound grasp of the native tongue -are not undercut by illegals who will do the same job for less pay?
What you're talking about is compassion for honest hard working people who have chosen to become Americans. They're the people WE were when we first got here. You've described the place conservatives must stand. With the innocent and good. Your compassion's well placed.
What liberals do is strange to me... I suspect it's because they never actually know real people in these situations, they tend to stand with the people who hate our country or are criminals OR foreign elites.
Your comment was so well crafted and beautifully expressed I was tempted not to distract from by commenting. Thanks for sharing presidio.