"Amnesty is a big billboard, a flashing billboard, to the rest of the world that we don't really mean our immigration law"

This quote by Richard Lamm recommends that making use of amnesty in immigration law sends a message to the rest of the world that the United States does not take its immigration laws seriously. By giving amnesty to those who have broken the law, the United States is basically stating that it is not important to follow the law. This sends a message to the remainder of the world that the United States is not major about its immigration laws which it wants to neglect violations. This might lead to a decrease in regard for the US migration laws and might result in more individuals trying to get in the US illegally. Using amnesty could also result in a reduction in the efficiency of the United States immigration system, as it might cause more individuals trying to get in the United States unlawfully.