Sure, it's the process of determining legal status that everyone is taking issue with

Can you elaborate on that?

What is and isn't culturally acceptable is always in flux. The norms of the 1950s United States are not some kind of absolute. In another 70 years they'll be different from today, as well.

What are some examples of sensible immigration policies?

How does the US compare / contrast?

It doesn't matter where the thing comes from, it matters who's paying for it.