More or less, yes. There were restrictions but about three millions benefited, I believe.
We anti-ILLEGAL immigration folks have the hardest time getting a key point across. Perhaps it would cool the rhetoric if we could find a way.
To wit, the amnesty was suppose to fix the problem. It included provisions that made hiring people who did not have permission to work in the U.S. a "crime."
There was virtually no enforcement and consequently it did not fix the problem. The problem today is far worse.
I truly believe that President Reagan did not intend for that to happen.
I also believe that some in Washington finally get it -- prove that you would enforce any shiny new immigration reform then lets talk.
Fool us once, shame on you. . . .
The left and the MSM have done an excellent job of painting those who believe in the law as mean nut cases against the poor tired hungry masses who are coming here searching for a better life, even if they are "undocumented."
I believe the best way to turn this around is to show how coming here illegally actually sets people up for being abused and preyed upon by those with nefarious intent. That might turn the discussion on its ear.
So, rather than pay lib (ha! Freudian typo) service and pass another law, let's just pull ourselves together, review what we have and enforce that.