Could Obama blanket pardon all undocumented immigrants?

[fescuerescue]

Whatever their number is? Seems like this way be a very effective way to neuter Trumps plans for mass deportation.

Just pardon everyone who is not in 100% compliance with immigration laws. It wouldn't grant citizenship, but it would clear the way for all those folks to apply for citizenship.

Didn't Ford do something like this to everyone who went to Canada during the vietnam war?

[Johnathan146]

1. Im not so sure

Carter pardoned the draft dogers, but the war was over. If obama were to pardon undocumented , the next day they would be still be here illegally and subject to arrest. They could be pardoned for anything on the past, but not the future.

[MichMan]

4. Plus their names were known

The names of all the Vietnam era draft dodgers were all known, so the pardons were directed to specific people.

This would not be thee case for undocumented immigrants. How would the authorities have any idea who had been pardoned and who hadn't?

[HoneyBadger]

2. Exactly

Without a path to legalization, they are effectively already pardoned for every day before today, but they are in violation today. Though he could pardon the ones that are being held in federal prison currently for their crimes, whatever they might include.

[NWCorona]

3. I'm not sure but here are some relevant links

https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-11-17/obama-should-pardon-dreamer-immigrants-house-democrats-say

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/opinion/can-obama-pardon-millions-of-immigrants.html