I'm repeating stuff I've said all over this thread now, but I'll do my best to address your points:

That's why I had quote marks around it, suggesting that it was how people colloquially used the term. If you're going to chide my grammar, do it for selectively italicizing lingua franca and not also italicizing de facto as I should have done.

Very good point.

Proper taxation. Employers making use of illegal labor are cheating the system. Moreover, as I've pointed out elsewhere, their legal status makes it easier for employers to take advantage of them and thus erode wages for all workers, migrant and native-born.

It IS a sacred obligation. We also need to mandate civic responsibilities to native-born Americans as I said. Nor am I suggesting that the children of illegal immigrants born here, or even the DREAMers brought here as children, don't deserve the same rights and protections as those of us lucky enough to be born here…

You yourself asked me why illegal immigrants should be forced to leave and suggested that there was no problem with the status quo ("What harm are they doing to you?") To me, that reads like wanting to do away with any requirements and allow anyone in upon arrival, no questions asked. If I've misread your…

Why don't you explain how I can go back to a place I've never been? We're talking about actual immigrants, not their children or descendants. DREAMers aren't the problem and they should get amnesty, full stop.

It is not all bigoted. English is the established language here. That is not an endorsement of the status quo, it is a recognition of reality, and I make no assertions about its linguistic or cultural superiority. Hell, if I had my way we'd all be speaking Esperanto.

So reform the immigration process. Just don't abolish it. If it truly is as difficult as you say, then let's fix it. But I get the feeling from some people that they want NO barriers to immigration whatsoever. That, obviously, doesn't fly with me. "Considerable but reasonable" should be the guiding principle for…

Sure, don't make a counter-argument, just insult. So we should abnegate all immigration law, then? Just let anyone in from anywhere with no time limit?

I didn't say it was wholly correct. I said both arguments have some merit. Neither side is fully correct or tells the whole story. I do think adults trying to learn English are hindered by accommodations like that WITH RESPECT TO LEARNING ENGLISH. It may make day-to-day life easier, and if they're just guest…

I think that's a good approach. Communities could determine which two languages to teach, schools could be taught on a bilingual basis with third language electives offered in high school.

Because earning American citizenship is a privilege and if come here and want that, you should earn it. Invest in our society with effort and commitment, and if you meet a legally-determined standard of commitment we invite you to become a citizen. How is this such a radical and unreasonable concept? Every nation…

So you just psychically intuit my bigotry despite all of my comments decrying bigotry. Pretty amazing.

Wait, wait. First off - do you think it would be easier to learn "one of the most difficult languages on earth" by NOT practicing at home? How would that work, exactly?

Where's my bigotry? Is it embedded somewhere in the numerous posts here where I castigate myself and other native-born Americans for not being multilingual? Or perhaps it's in the post where I said I wouldn't oppose blanket amnesty and residency for every illegal immigrant in America? Hardly shades of George…

I guess it's easier to insult than to explain one's position. That's okay.

I feel like we've gotten away from this notion, but citizenship is a contract, it's an almost sacred obligation you undertake. It's not something which should be entered into lightly.

Every nation does that. Do you think citizenship should go to anyone who pays a $5 application fee?

It sounds like you have no problem letting migrant workers stay here legally, so long as they agree to accept substandard wages for their labor. I'm pretty sure you don't want that outcome, but that's how your statement reads to me.