My maternal Dutch ancestors, emigrating in 1640, who helped to settle Brooklyn, probably did have means and merits since they were quite successful in (whatever this country was called then).  My paternal Polish ancestors who settled in Pennsylvania in the 19th century to work the in coke industry had few merits beyond strong backs, a staunch Catholic faith and the recipe for some kind of magical potato dumplings I haven't had since my dad died in 1962.  

Look at the MILLIONS of people (native-born Americans and immigrants) who educated themselves, worked three jobs to save money and became examples of "American success."   Who is without merit?  

How do you account for God blessing you to be born a citizen?  Birth is not the only pathway to citizenship.  As for merit, I'm going to leave that to God's merciful judgment.