Sadly, the "so-called Reagan conservative talking heads" forget that their hero...DID grant the FIRST amnesty for illegals...
Also did cut and run from Beirut...
I am not trying to slam Reagan so much as point out that the "Reagan conservatives" are using him very selectively, when comparing him to what a failure Bush is, in their eyes.
If they met the requirements of section 201 and 245 they could apply for Lawful Temporary Resident status wait eighteen months then apply for Lawful Permanent Resident status. After five years they could apply for citizenship.
During that five year period they could not apply for Federal Financial Assistance with the exception of SSI. Even after five years it wasn't automatically guaranteed they would be granted citizenship, they had a long list of requirements which included showing more than a passing knowledge and understanding of the English language and Civics as well as proof of good citizenship.