Legal alien, legal immigrant. Two equivalent statements.
"....we call them Americans.
Not until they are sworn in as citizens, we don't.
"They gave up their old lives in order to work for a better life in the United States. We honor that commitment by treating them like human beings and giving them rights."
Until they are sworn in as citizens, the "rights" we give them are limited by immigration law, and are limited.
"Shouldnt that liberty apply to everyone?"
No.
-PJ