Exactly, Lady B!
My housemate (and former lover) is a Canadian, who came to this country to study and work over ten years ago. He did everything legally, first obtaining his student visa, then getting his Green Card, then just last week finally obtained his U.S. Citizenship. All during that time, he paid into the U.S. Social Security system, paid for his own health care, obeyed the laws, and did the entire process legally. He is so thrilled to now be a citizen of America!
So, I fully concur that those wishing to receive the benefits of our country and all she offers do so legally, follow the rules, go the legal route by obtaining a work or student visa, Green Card, and then finally citizenship.