My family came to the U.S. in 1973. My parents petitioned for 5 years prior to that for a chance to enter the states (and were only allowed to do so because they worked hard to develop useful skills - accounting). We arrived with $300 to our name and lived in a dilapidated 1-bedroom apartment that crammed all six of us into a place no more than 500 square feet. My parents busted their asses for years to get us out of the poverty line and into middle America. They never took handouts and never asked for federal assistance of any sort even though we easily qualified for aid. They instilled that sense of pride in all of us. It took them 12 years to finally qualify for citizenship. It was a happy day for all of us.
When it was our turn we took full advantage of the opportunities they gave us and have done well for ourselves. I can say, with a great deal of honor, that we are a prime example of what you can accomplish in this country if you have the drive to be successful.
My mother is livid about this whole thing. She rightfully believes it's a slap in the face to any legal immigrants who've given up just about everything and waited patiently for their chance at becoming U.S. citizens. If my father were still alive he'd want to be part of any group protesting Obummer's amnesty BS...
