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Simple English definitions for legal terms
amnesty
Read a random definition: infibulation
A quick definition of amnesty:
Amnesty: When someone does something wrong, they can get in trouble with the government. Amnesty is when the government decides to forgive them and not punish them for what they did. In immigration law, amnesty means that the government forgives people who came to the United States without permission and lets them stay here legally. This happened in 1986 when the government forgave people who came before 1982 and let them stay here forever.
A more thorough explanation:
Amnesty is a legal pardon given to individuals or a group of people who have committed an offense. In immigration law, amnesty is a pardon given by the government to those who have violated immigration policies. This means that illegal immigrants or undocumented immigrant aliens can gain permanent residency in the United States without facing any legal consequences.
For example, in 1986, the U.S. government provided amnesty to all undocumented aliens who had arrived in the country before January 1, 1982, through the Immigration Reform and Control Act. This meant that those who had used forged or false documentation to gain employment or stay in the country were forgiven and allowed to stay in the U.S. permanently.
Another example of amnesty is when a government pardons political prisoners or rebels who have committed crimes against the state. This is done to promote peace and reconciliation in the country.
Overall, amnesty is a legal tool used by governments to forgive individuals or groups who have committed offenses and allow them to live without fear of legal consequences.