amnesty
n 1: a period during which offenders are exempt from punishment 2: a warrant granting release from punishment for an offense [syn: pardon] 3: the formal act of liberating someone [syn: pardon, free pardon] v : grant a pardon to (a group of people)
I think Bush's plan falls under the definition.
Then there is the other question: What makes you think that people that have been breaking the law for years will all of a sudden decide to start following it? What's the incentive. Oh, wait. I know - we'll let them collect social security. No wonder Bush wants to start working on SS right away.
Write this thought you came up with on a piece of paper and hang it on the refrigerator.
At some point,you will really wonder how it came to you.
I shot a stray cat the other day who was continuously dragging road kill into my stored boat and destroying the carpets, stinking it up and wrecking the upolstry.
I violated several laws. I could face fines and even jail time. (1yr)
But I am a model citizen and family man with a kid in college and grandbabies.
The penalty for crossing the border that we have now in law is much less severe.
Excellent question!!!
And one the pro-amnesty folks will never be able to answer with any credibility.