If an amnesty was offered, he would gladly accept it, but in truth he’s not staying here long term. It asks for an amnesty for overstayers and a proper pathway to residency for those on temporary visas. In December 2020, the Auckland Catholic Church called for an amnesty during the border closure, then a qualified amnesty thereafter. Menendez March says an amnesty should be broad, even including those with criminal records because he argues being considered illegal pushes people into poor choices. A former minister of immigration, Tuariki Delamere, says an amnesty would send the wrong signal.

Source: Stuff May 17, 2021 16:52 UTC