Economically speaking the distinction doesn’t really matter. But if you want to reduce illegal immigration the best way is not to crack down on the border but to crack down on employers.

As for fairness, the best way to address that is to make it much easier for everyone who wants to to immigrate legally. Right now the system is too complex and rigid.

Also take the number of border crossers with a grain of salt. Many of those are repeat crossers, who can come and ask for asylum over and over again thanks to a Trump era rule that immediately deports people but leaves their asylum claim unadjudicated.