Maybe amnesty is not the right term. Since most of these illegals seem to have jobs (albeit low-paying jobs) perhaps those that are employed could be given work permits while applying for immigration. In other words, if their employers (or a family member) can vouch for them, they can stay while going through the legal channels.

Immigration policy could therefore, reflect the same. I know that when we immigrated to Canada, we had to have a guarantee of employment and it was the employer who sponsored us. Contrary to popular opinion, most immigrants have sponsors who are family members or employers. That is the best guarantee that immigrants won't be a drain on the system and will be contributing to society and the economy. It wasn't until the early 70's that you had to apply from outside the country.

Prior to that, as long as you made it across the border, you could apply for landed immigrant status from inside Canada.

It seems to me that Mexican immigrants are taking the blame for a disorganized immigration policy and employers who readily take advantage of it.