Any legislation that allows the lawbreakers to stay and work here, the object of their crime, is amnesty. A path to citizenship is a bonus. Giving them what amounts to green cards entitles them to all the benefits of citizenship except voting. They can receive welfare and entitlement benefits, SSNs, driver's licenses, work permits etc.
I hate break with my normal “run ‘em all out” ranting, but some of these illegal aliens really are good folks coming from crappy countries that have no hope of reform. They are willing to learn English, give up their loyalty to their home country, and become Americans. They support themselves and their families, are not a drain on taxpayers, and generally have a lot of potential. I don’t know what the the percentage is, but we want these people. The way for them shouldn’t be easy (they DID enter illegally) but there should be a way...
But there are others who are a drain on taxpayers and public services, are criminals, maintain their loyalty to their home country over the US, etc. They were part of the problem in their country, and are a problem here, too. They need to go; if they resist, they need to die.
I know that there are a lot people who disagree with this in both directions (I sympathize more with the “toss ‘em all out” side...). But, once we have a secure border we can talk over the next steps. That is why I completely oppose anything remotely resembling a “comprehensive” reform and why I think anyone supporting such a thing is trying screw the entire country over.