The subtext works both ways, though. The question is malformed in my example because it implies an incorrect fact, and you rightly bristle at it because of that. But the statement “she’s here legally” is similarly implying a subtly different question that isn’t being asked, and then answering that question instead of the real one. So it made me bristle in the same way. And it’s a technique that’s often used intentionally to dishonestly reframe conversations, especially around contentious topics. The hostile responses seem to be incorrectly (but unfortunately reasonably these days) assuming this intent.

If someone asked you to describe your immigration status, would you say “I’m in the country legally” if you were born there?

Subtext exists, and is pretty important to recognize when it’s used for propaganda.

I understand you weren’t using it that way on purpose.