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Mitt Romney would pursue some type of comprehensive, long-term reform to America's immigration system, the former Massachusetts governor and his supporters said on Sunday.
Republicans accused President Obama of playing politics on Friday when he announced that the government would no longer seek the deportation of immigrants who were illegally brought to the U.S. as children, under certain conditions.
"What I would do, is I’d make sure that by coming into office, I would work with Congress to put in place a long-term solution for the children of those that have come here illegally," Romney said Sunday on "Face the Nation."
A top surrogate of Romney's, Arizona Sen. John McCain, went slightly further. Romney was "certainly willing to address that issue and immigration reform in a comprehensive way," McCain said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Obama administration won't seek deportation of young illegal immigrants
The Obama administration's announcement on Friday has had immediate reverberations on the presidential campaign trail. The shift in policy was seen as a bid toward energizing Latino voters, who could prove a decisive voting bloc in certain swing states, behind Obama's candidacy.
Romney, whose conservative rhetoric on immigration during the primary prompted worries about turning off Latinos, sidestepped a question about whether he should specifically undo Obama's order. He said that question would be rendered moot — "overtaken by events," he said — by the long-term solution he would instead put in place.
For its part, the Obama administration denied that the announcement was motivated by electoral considerations.
"It wasn't about politics," White House adviser David Plouffe said on NBC. "We're absolutely confident … this is well within our powers to do."
Romney wants 'long-term' solution for illegal immigration
Plouffe said he expected the election to be a close on regardless, but nonetheless acknowledged the administration's new policy toward young immigrants could give Obama a leg-up among Latinos in swing states.
"We're going to have to fight for every vote," Plouffe said, "but there's no doubt our strength with Latino voters helps in Nevada, Arizona, Florida."
Republicans, though, said that they viewed Obama's move with skepticism, accusing the administration of acting with an eye toward November.
"This was obviously a way to divert attention from very bad news the president has received the last tree or four weeks," McCain said.
Romney argued that the "timing is pretty clear," saying that Obama could have acted sooner in his administration to address immigration had he wanted to. Mobilizing Latinos, Romney argued, was "certainly a big part of the equation."
The new immigration proposal tracks closely to a plan that had been developed by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, which Romney had said he was studying. Rubio is thought to be on the short list of candidates to become Romney's running mate this fall. Romney said on CBS that he had expected Rubio's proposal to be unveiled shortly, before Obama acted.
Rubio the VP favorite at conservative conference
Neither Romney nor McCain offered any specific outline of what the presumptive Republican nominee's alternative immigration plan would accomplish. The term "comprehensive" has long been a buzzword among conservatives who who oppose a process toward citizenship — or even some sort of legal status — for illegal immigrants, which they view as "amnesty."
McCain had long been a proponent of a variation of comprehensive immigration reform that offered a pathway toward citizenship. He admitted that conservative opposition was a "major factor" in felling past attempts at that kind of reform, but he also blamed Democrats' insistence on other measures opposed by Republicans as a factor.
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Just like with everything else Romoney doesn't ever speak about any real plans, he says repeal and replace Obama care, with what? Now immigration, WHAT"S THE PLAN?
Mittens has changed his views on everything under the sun, he is empty million dollar suit!
Obama/Biden 2012 forward not back!
Mitt's latest flip-flop....all in one paragraph! First he admits to economic recovery, then claims Obama had nothing to do with it! He will probably take credit for it as he did with GM and Osama bin Laden!!!
As he has in recent days, Romney tweaked his stump speech a bit to acknowledge the reality that the economy has shown signs of improvement since Obama took office in 2009. But, speaking to a small group of supporters on "The Spirit of Dubuque," Romney said Obama doesn't deserve credit for any recovery.
The economy has improved most in states with Republican governors.
Obama's words & actions have held our economy back & cost many jobs, even before he was sworn in, or was it swore at us?
Just because he was there is not why he gets credit for it, or did he also cause the crack in the Washington monument too?
No DREAM ACT! Comprehensive Immigration Reform to me means totally revamping the 1965 Immigration Act so that it favors the interests of America and not the Third World. Also, passing and sustaining laws which really empower and require the US Government to enforce its own immigration laws. And, sending the strongest possible message to illegal immigrants - that they are not wanted in this nation...and that means no job, no education, no welfare, no loopholes...just are you or are you not a legal resident or citizen of the United States? And, if Mexico wishes to thank us for Obama's "Dream Act", Mexico should be required to allow one American illegal in Mexico with the same rights and benefits for every Mexican illegal in our nation - then they will not thank us so much.
I totally agree except for the idea that any law passed might force law enforcement and courts to enforce the law. The CIA was once well involved in the cocain trade on the wholesale side. The FBI and INS are currently ignoring the theft of identity of children in the United States. How hard would it be to cross reference social security numbers and investigate how a three or seven year old is working in a meat packing plant. These law enforcement agencies are allowing all these crimes by illegal aliens because Obama has invoked amnasty. They don't have to pay taxes or follow any other laws because of this president.
C Moakler ---- You have done nothing all day long except piss and moan, and throw in a few lies.
Where do you come off accusing the President of the United States of "invoking amnesty"? (note the correct spelling of amnesty). HE HAS DONE NO SUCH THING.
Do us all a favor, take your crying and moaning, lies and BS, and go back to your homeland in wherever you slithered out from. You would be no loss, and you brighten a room just by leaving.
Senator John McCain stated yesterday that the US needs to lead a coalition into Syria and defeat Assad. Yessir, the Repubs cannot stand it without a fresh war starting, which will yield freshly killed military people, and, if they are lucky, some freshly maimed soldiers.
One might think such an invasion might piss off their number one ally, Iran.
It is not good enough that Iraq and Afghanistan are either over or winding down, here we go into Syria, and possibly Iran!
Senator Marco Rubio has now shown himself to be both a crybaby and a hypocrite. He announced he will no longer work on the immigration bill he was preparing to propose because the President has already done what he was going to propose. Sorry, Marco, the President "GOTCHA"!
And today, this!
"Hypothetically, if Marco Rubio were not an American citizen and could not provide
food for his family, he says he would cross the border illegally to come to the United
States.
While discussing immigration policy in his new memoir, An American Son, Rubio
called for "common decency" in dealing with undocumented immigrants and said
that if put in a similar position as those who are fleeing destitution, he would break
the law, too.
Rubio, a member of a political party that has largely opposed efforts to extend a
path to citizenship to those in the country without documentation, has been
crafting his own version of an immigration reform bill that would let some children
of undocumented immigrants avoid being deported.
Rubio is considered a possible vice presidential running mate for Republican
presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who spent the primary season voicing
opposition to an immigration plan that would give those who came illegally
permanent residency or citizenship without returning to their home country first.
Since 90% of the illegals are Latino, you can't really say it is diverse because they have been forcing out all the legal immigrant applicants. It's INVASION by other means.
All wars are fought about economics. You are absolutely correct, this is an INVASION!
There are what? Thirty million ILLEGAL INVADERS in the US.
So, here is my question for you: What was it called the last time that three or four million people crossed a border?
World War II!
"Romney promises to seek immigration reform law" Politics & Promises - Promises are made to offer assurance, especially during election. Political tactic to offer promise that would guarantee a better future to lure voters. However, certain promises are made with few realistic supports to ever become existent. - - Blah, Blah, Blah...
Just like the border fence & major enforcement efforts the Democrat congress promised Ragan when it was determined there were too many illegals hear to remove them all, so starting off fresh they had a chance to fix things.....
How can anyone vote for a man who is vague on all issues.
I agree, Obama should not have been elected in 2008.
credit - wikipedia - wiki/Promise
Yes that's all true. We need to trust Romney. We just wait and then elect him and life will be wonderful. Everyone will get a job, Our healthcare will get better and cost less. Oh yeah, and all the people that fear deported will now be free and not be deported. Oh yeah, he didn't say anything did he?By the way, if anyone would like to buy some moon rocks please email me @ support_romneyand everythingwillbefine.stupid
Sure he wants immergration reform, that way he can bring some of his money back into the U.S. to pay for his $30 million dollar home on the west coast. Yeah all that money will immirgrate back into the U.S. from his Swiss bank accounts. This man doesn't deserve to be Dog Catcher , let alone President...
The main reason Americans put money in Swiss banks & overseas is our tax system takes away far to much.
Democrats are always looking for piles of tax or income so they can tax the heck out of it. They don not understand they are driving away investments & jobs.
Just before the democrat created housing & loans for everyone collapse, they wanted to find a way to tax retirement, IRAs etc.
And why does Barrack Obama "Deserve" to be president?
The United States does not need Immigration Reform. The United States needs Enforcement of the Immigration Laws that are now on the books. Unfortunately, for the citizens of the United States, Enforcement will never happen. Republicans want illegals to act as Slaves. Democrats want Illegals for the vote. We do not have one person on either side that wants to Enforce our laws. This is a shame, as it is ruining America.
Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you..."
Roosevelt: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Reagan: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."
Romney: "Can you believe it? He wants MORE police, MORE firemen, MORE teachers!
I stand by what I said, whatever it was"
One of these things is not like the others
Obama: When is TEE Time today?
There is not a single thing wrong with our immigration law except the people who are charged with enforcing it are cowards. If I were an immigration judge and a lawyer brought one of the nonsence claims into my court I'd hold him in contempt. If the prosecutor folded I'd hold him in contempt.
Not a single person should speak to this issue until they do a little research. I suggest, at a minimum, that folks google DEA Most Wanted. After doing that come back and argue that they are just here trying fo feed their families.
So the Obama doctrine says "I will not enforce the law that the congress (The house of the people) has spent years legislating. I know better and I took the oath of office twice, once behind closed doors where I crossed my fingers behind my back, but only during the 'Enforce the laws of the United States of America' and the 'Faithfully defend' parts."
C. Moakler....are you this angry all the time? You must lead one miserable life. Cheer up...things can and will get worse.
C Moakler ---- You have done nothing all day long except piss and moan, and throw in a few lies.
You even accused the President of the United States of "invoking amnesty"? (note the correct spelling of amnesty). HE HAS DONE NO SUCH THING.
Do us all a favor, take your crying and moaning, lies and BS, and go back to your homeland in wherever you slithered out from. You would be no loss, and you brighten a room just by leaving.
If you read it carefully, Romney promises to SEEK immigration reform. He's not promising to do anything about it.
Mitt the Insubstantial; once again long on BS, total lack of detail. We just gotta have faaaaiiiiith!
It's too late, Mr. Romney! You had the opportunity to state your position on immigration reform during the long, long GOP primary. Your position was, "voluntary deportation", whatever that is. Any gesture by you now is definitely political and it just won't work.
The POTUS proceeded without GOP support to do what he could on his own. Not only did the GOP fail to work with the president on immigration but many of congressional democrats also failed to step up and back the president.
The GOP crying "foul" is pretty funny, don't you think. They just didn't get the opportunity to say NO this time.
If the same logic was used for Obama and not being able to flip flop on his entire Campaign of 2008 then what? Would you still have the same stance?
Obama had a super majority his first two years of his Presidency, why didn't he tackle this then as he promised he would while campaigning?
And what would your excuse for Bush be? He failed at getting it done, so did Clinton, so did Reagan
Mitt's latest flip-flop....all in one paragraph! First he admits to economic recovery, then claims Obama had nothing to do with it! He will probably take credit for it as he did with GM and Osama bin Laden!!!
As he has in recent days, Romney tweaked his stump speech a bit to acknowledge the reality that the economy has shown signs of improvement since Obama took office in 2009. But, speaking to a small group of supporters on "The Spirit of Dubuque," Romney said Obama doesn't deserve credit for any recovery.
Here is my long-term-reform: OBEY the laws that are on the books. Have Operation Wet-Back again. Shoot all Illegal Invaders approaching our borders. And then. Deport or kill every Illegal Invader in America.
It's all very simple really!
Sounds very simple. How do you plan to round up 12 million illegals and deport them?
That is what the teachers union wants you to think. More IAs in classrooms. more teachers in classrooms. the result? More union dues for Democrat elections. Screw the class sizes the kids aren't important.
Romney once again doesn't have a firm stand on immigration law. He knows, as MANY americans know, that any immigration reform must have the full support of both Congress and Senate. That Romney makes a "Promise", doesn't mean that the congress and/or senate will let him keep that promise. And of course if he is elected president, and his so called "reforms" hit some sort of opposition, he'll just blame party politics from keeping his "promise".
What a dillweed.
You are talking about Obama right?
No,dev....read ROMNEY
The only promises kept by Obama last until AFTER the election. He hasn't fixed anything for long term and doesn't know how to.
Oh you mean Mitt Romney wants to be Presidential and get a law on the books unlike King Obama who rules as he see fit
"I stand behind what I said, whatever that might be"
Mitt Romney....King Flip Flop
Our entire Immigration system has been messed with so much in pursuit of votes it is broken.
As it is now, if you get in to the US, all you need to do is blend in, have an anchor baby & you are home free. You get health care, food stamps, welfare, tax rebates & all kinds of benefits.
Obama's easy answer in an election year to place him as the "good guy" by going around congress is sad.
Yes it sounds mean to take away things citizens get or prevent kids from getting things other citizens get, who came here with parents. Very similar to taking away the BMW, college fund, stocks & bonds a bank robber or embezzler "gave" to their children. Sure the kids did not commit the crimes, but benefited from the action.
As long as we have sanctuary cities, jobs for illegals, employers being punished more than the person providing false documents, free educations, college credits at discounted rates lower than US citizens etc, we will have immigration problems.
The US is still a great place to live & work, we need a secure way to protect it, while providing a path for other to become part of this great nation. Jumping to the front of the line while others have spent years & a great deal of money, just to make Obama look good & keep people from looking at his true record & value as a president.
The dream act sounds good, but what is given to the US - legal residents who do the same thing illegal immigrants are doing to gain or earn citizenship?
What did the American citizens get when Reagan gave TOTAL AMNESTY to 3 million?
Screwed by the Democrats when they didn't keep their end of the bargin by shutting down the southern boarder.
Romney hasn't definitively said what he will do about anything. He's being totally evasive. The man's a coward among other things.
But then, on the other hand, when videos are constantly shown where you've reversed your position on an issue, sometimes more than once, I guess the best course to take after that is not to state a position on anything.
In the days of ubiquitous videos and recordings life is hard on liars.