Definition: Generally, amnesty is defined as any governmental pardon for past offenses or crimes, especially political ones. Granting amnesty goes beyond a pardon, in that it forgives the said offense completely.
For purposes of conservative politics, amnesty is a political term typically associated with two major issues -- immigration and capital punishment.
As it relates to immigration, amnesty is the term used for granting automatic citizenship to resident aliens, who are in the United States illegally. Amnesty for illegals is the subject of tremendous controversy, since it essentially bypasses the citizenship and assimilation process essential to all legal immigration into the United States.
As it relates to the death penalty, amnesty is the term used for when a governor grants a reprieve from execution to a prisoner sentenced to death. In this case, amnesty is different from a pardon in that it doesn't exonerate the condemned from all punitive action or absolve the convicted of all wrongdoing.
For purposes of conservative politics, amnesty is a political term typically associated with two major issues -- immigration and capital punishment.
As it relates to immigration, amnesty is the term used for granting automatic citizenship to resident aliens, who are in the United States illegally. Amnesty for illegals is the subject of tremendous controversy, since it essentially bypasses the citizenship and assimilation process essential to all legal immigration into the United States.
As it relates to the death penalty, amnesty is the term used for when a governor grants a reprieve from execution to a prisoner sentenced to death. In this case, amnesty is different from a pardon in that it doesn't exonerate the condemned from all punitive action or absolve the convicted of all wrongdoing.
Pronunciation: amnistee
Also Known As: acquittal, compurgation, exculpation, forgiveness, mercy, release
Examples:
"Amnesty is a terrible policy, and it's terrible politics. It's a terrible policy because you are rewarding people for breaking the law."-- Tom Tancredo