A cynic would interpret this statement as saying that illegal aliens would be given a path to citizenship, just not an "automatic" one. This is no time for wiggle-room words, I would think.
Oh I have no doubt that there will be a path to citizenship, which to me = AMNESTY.
If you break our laws in the first place, why be given any chance (automatic or otherwise) for something as valuable as American citizenship.
I don't think I am going to like what I hear tonight.