[quote]I would exepect that they would be required to go through an interview process at a US consulate in Mexico (or whatever country). THis would require them to return to their country at some point.[/quote]

So, they’ll return to their country for the interview. What’s the problem? The U.S. government has no knowledge of the fact that they were really here all this time. Unless they are caught:

[quote]Unless they are pulled over for a serious crime, there is no chance they will be deoported.[/quote]

Lots of people do end up deported. And being deported is really bad for immigration prospects.

[quote]Illegals by definition do not pay state or federal income tax, why should they get a break on in-state tuition at a publicly funded university? [/quote]

Strictly speaking, none of the kids in the universities pay state or federal income tax, do they? They have zero income. The idea that we assist with for their tuition and they repay from their future taxes. Which they’ll pay if they are legalized.

As for their parents, most lower-income people don’t pay any income taxes anyway. Everyone regardless of legal status pays payroll, sales and property taxes.