It Isn't Amnesty - New York Times

It Isn't Amnesty - New York Times

If I understand this correctly, we think, but don't know for sure, there are 12 million illegals in the U.S. How do we have any idea what the real number is if we don't know who they are?

Now, this proposal would ask them in essence to self identify. Why would they do that, i.e., go on the books rather than live as they are now and spend 11 years becoming a citizen? How would we deal with those that choose to continue living in the shadows? Where's the plan for them. If we don't root them out and there's no penalty for remaining in the shadows, this proposal will fail.

The meanings of 'amnesty' are confused indeed!