Amnesty is a widely misunderstood legal concept. Most seem to believe it's a blanket "pardon", saying all is forgiven & you can stay. No such thing. While it removes the penalty (fines & deportation) for the crime, anyone accepting amnesty must still go thru the paperwork & pay the fees normally associated with legal immigration (as Liz experienced). I believe it's a logical alternative to the logistical nightmare of rounding 'em all up & shipping 'em back...especially since most would be back over the border before the next sunrise.

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