>Immigration isn't the same as property tax nor traffic
>signals
>
>Its equally as important.


Particularly of the "overstayed their student or travel visa" variety.

From my experience, I think our enforcement of immigration laws are about right. It's a risk to become an illegal because some jobs do care about your status and you may not have as much opportunity to pursue a career. Also, if you get in serious trouble here, you can and should get sent home. On the flip side, you also CAN'T go home for significant family events like the funeral of a parent or sibling lest you not be able to return.

Those are all very strong motivations to eventually get legal status. It's actually not comfortable being illegal, but many do it because the risks at "Home" are even greater and the potential reward for their children is enormous. And if they and their childern are successful, the more successful American society is.