I think we need to start by recognizing that human beings will always find a way to do what they need to do for the benefit of their loved ones. If someone’s family is in serious need, laws (particularly laws that aren’t based in some fundamental moral principle) will be of secondary importance. If I imagine myself with a sick relative, and the only way I can pay for treatment is by violating an immigration law, then I’m pretty sure I’d do it. That little exercise makes me realize that breaking such a law doesn’t necessarily say anything negative about a person’s character, nor about how willing they are to abide by laws if given a reasonable chance.
Keep in mind, too, that the legal process is simply not always an option. The average wait time for someone to get through the process is now almost 20 years. Depending on one’s circumstances, that may simply be an impossible wait.
Now, of course, not everyone who comes illegally is in desperate straits, but I think enough are that it becomes unreasonable to pass any kind of sweeping judgment against all of them. Many are people who would do us proud as citizens, many aren’t.
Seems to me that instead of worrying so much about who’s at the head of the line, we need to focus our attention on fixing “the line” itself, making legal immigration easier (because it is purposely tortuous) and faster. They’re going to come anyway; wouldn’t it be better to give them a viable way of entering the system fully documented and without the stigma of “criminality” hanging over them? The current system is just a way of transforming ordinary people into criminals.