There are probably a couple of reasons that “amnesty” cannot be done before the end of the year.
The Current Occupant now squatting in the White Hut (or “Spite Hut”) has zip for remaining political capital. He has NO credibility on anything, and the website for Obamacare is probably going to be up and running long before any action, one way or the other, can be done on “amnesty”.
There is clearly much need for a vast reform in the immigration policy into that territory once known as “the United States of America”, one of the first being getting it under control. The next level of effort should be directed at determining those who actually WANT to become US citizens, and keeping them apart from those who are merely tourists, here only for the short term, and with the understanding they are GUESTS, and are under a protocol that limits their stay and expedites their departure at the appointed time, or whenever their behavior does not conform to decent civilized standards.
Then enforce the new standards. It does not matter WHAT changes may be made, if there is no inclination or willingness to carry out the intent of the rules as stated.