"EARNED legalization" ??

Commentary: Time for immigration reform is now

I can't say I understand what Mr. Navarette means by the term, "earned legalization." How does one earn legality?

If I rob a bank - I go to jail. If I do my time I become an ex-con. Not sure if that's earning back legality. If I enter this country illegally and I stay below the radar long enough - I can earn legality.

This is one of the more ignorant ideas I've read on this subject.

Mr. Navarette states later in his commentary that he suggests this sudden gift from the US Government only apply to those who entered the country illegally before the year 2000.

WHAT? What about the poor illegals who entered in 2001? Who is now going to cry for them?

This whole issue is a joke and the semantics of the words "legal" and "illegal" continue to be misused and misapplied to what is actually a massive problem for the country. This is not a discussion regarding reform. It's an amnesty program - call it what it is....