This is the conflicted nature of our immigration policy. We want to beef up border patrols. We want strong laws against illegal immigration. But once people have made it into this country, we aren't willing to enforce those laws. The effect is to reward those who are good enough at violating those laws and evading detection until an amnesty or similar program is offered.
Federal leaders have to come to some point of consistency.
Either we want a more open immigration system or we don't. Our immigration policy and our law should be the same. The United States needs a frank assessment of our immigration goals and statutes to resolve this conflicted nature.