You're skipping right to citizenship, I think Residency is enough. Status assured, free to pursue their American Dream without that clock ticking away. Then if they want citizenship they can get it on their own as I did.
I disagree with you completely.
They came here as kids. They had no choice. We can agree on that.
Where I start to disagree with you is the whole "it's not thier fault" part of your argument. We all have to deal our parents choices.
Their parents came here illegally. They have to deal with those consequences, fair or not. My parents made choices that put me in situations that I had to deal with.
Sometimes, parents can cast long shadows.
What you are arguing is "equality". They should be given something because it was not thier fault. Should I be given a higher education because it was not my fault?
Your argument of "equality" can go down a very dangerous path.
The solution to the dropping American birthrate has a simple solution, giving citizenship to people that are here illegally is not the answer. More illegal aliens is not the answer. Giving children citizenship, or residency, that are here illegally is creating a incentive to have other do the same.
I my opinion your "obvious" solution would make our illegal alien situation worse on a scale that is unimaginable.
If we are arguing on feelings (as you are), I want anyone to denounce their home country and become a citizen before taking a role in any public setting (government worker, official, politician, contractor, LEO, military, librarian, etc.). I also want anyone to denounce their home country and become a citizen for assistance.