Romney says he wished court gave states 'latitude' on immigration

 

SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- Mitt Romney pledged to reform the nation's immigration laws in his first year as president while criticizing the Supreme Court's immigration decision on Monday in broad terms.

Romney told donors in Arizona that he would have preferred that their state have more discretion in enforcing its immigration laws following a ruling by the high court throwing out much of Arizona's tough immigration law.

"Now you probably heard today there was a Supreme Court decision relating to immigration and given the failure of the immigration policy in this country, I would have preferred to see the Supreme Court give more latitude to the states not less," Romney told some 200 donors seated in a hotel ballroom for his remarks. "And there are states now under this decision have less authority, less latitude to enforce immigration laws."

Throughout the primary campaign, Romney defended the immigration law here, which called for local law enforcement to check immigration documents for anyone who they suspected may be in the country illegally (among other provisions), as the right course for a state to take when the federal government has failed to address immigration.

The court invalidated much of the law except for one of its most controversial prongs: the requirement that authorities check the immigration status of individuals whom they detain and suspect of being in the U.S. illegally.

Romney didn't address that provision directly, pivoting instead to accuse President Obama of a failure to lead on immigration and creating a "muddle" of the issue.

"The president promised in his campaign that in his first year he would take on immigration and solve our immigration challenges, put in place a long term program to care for those who want to come here legally to deal with illegal immigration, to deal with securing our borders," Romney said. "All these things he was going to in his first year he had a Democrat House and a Democrat Senate but he didn’t do it. Isn’t it time for the American people to ask him why?"

Romney has not remarked publicly on the Supreme Court case or immigration today, but in addressing the topic of reform with a group of donors here who collectively gave more than $2 million dollars to the campaign, Romney pledge to forgo stopgap measures and reform the U.S. immigration system within the first year of his administration.

"In my first year I will make sure we actually do take on immigration, we secure our border, we make sure that we grow legal immigration in a way that provides people here with skill and expertise that we want," Romney said. "This is an issue that has to be tackled."

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Folks……….For years the Republicans and their Lobbyist have left the flood gates open for cheap labor and let our manufacturing jobs go overseas for the cheap labor. That is why we have this “Wal-Mart Mentality” with Corporate America. They want to pay minimum wages, little to no benefits and be available 7 days a week. Is there any question as to why we are at this point in America? If someone put out a list of other countries explaining what they do to you when you enter illegally, and what benefits you get, you might be shocked!

  • 7 votes
Reply#26 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:42 PM EDT

Folks all ya Heard from da TeaBilly’s for the past few years is:

We want our Country Back.

We Cleaned up or Rally really Nice.

Now all ya hear is:

Anybody but Obama.

It Shows ya how they have no Leadership, Direction, Solutions or Substance and have Lowered all Expectations and Standards.

You Bet Cha….Fer Sure.

  • 5 votes
Reply#27 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:43 PM EDT

sponges unite... form of... a leech

  • 3 votes
#27.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:50 PM EDT

"Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Injustice, Eric Holder schemes...."

    #27.2 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:04 PM EDT
    Reply

    Isn’t it Amazing, you always hear the Republicans and TeaBilly Politicians Threatening to Reduce or Stop Payment on Unemployment, Social Security, Medicare, Food Stamps, Military Pay and Benefits , Etc. But have you ever heard of them Threatening to Reduce or Stop any of Their Pay, Healthcare and all the other Special Perks they receive (Paid for by our Tax $$$$$$$).

    Lets break this down in simple terms. Republican TeaBilly Conservative = Self Righteous Hypocrite.

    • 4 votes
    Reply#28 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:43 PM EDT

    what would you do?

    you might actually have to work and certainly would have to go on a diet

    • 3 votes
    #28.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:52 PM EDT
    Reply

    I think this Man’s Egg has slipped off of his Biscuit! You Bet Cha……Fer Sure.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#29 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:44 PM EDT

    TeaBillyism = Selling your Soul to da Republicans.

    Republicanism = Selling your Soul to da Devil.

    You BetCha….Fer Sure.

    • 3 votes
    Reply#30 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:49 PM EDT

    Folks all ya Heard from da TeaBilly’s for the past few years is:

    We want our Country Back.

    We Cleaned up or Rally really Nice.

    Now all ya hear is:

    Anybody but Obama.

    It Shows ya how they have no Leadership, Direction, Solutions or Substance and have Lowered all Expectations and Standards.

    You Bet Cha….Fer Sure.

    • 2 votes
    Reply#31 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:50 PM EDT

    Obama's doing such a fine job, why would anyone think the should go.

    lol

    • 2 votes
    #31.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:00 PM EDT
    Reply

    It's clear that Romney has NO CLUE about constitutional law. Courts have CONSISTENTLY held that states do NOT have the power to enforce immigration laws!! It's SETTLED law!! GOOD GRIEF! These rights are willing to break the law go get their way!!

    I wish the GOP was this tenacious in helping this country recover from the recession instead of sabotaging it. But, of course, they decided at a meeting in the evening of Jan. 20, 2009 that their NUMBER ONE PRIORITY was making Obama a 1 term President. So, they gave Joe America and those who were suffering the finger--- and abandoned them to their fate! Their actions endangered the country to boot yet NONE dare call that treason!!! How long do we put up with these very dangerous people? If they are willing to sell out their citizens, what/who else are they willing to sell out??

    PS. The borders should have been secured on Sept 12, 2001!!!

    • 2 votes
    Reply#32 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:52 PM EDT

    The fact is Republicans in the Senate Filibustered the DREAM Act twice in 2010.

    So, Mitt is lying when he falsely claims President Obama "did nothing of a permanent or long-term basis."

    September 21, 2010: Senate Republicans Filibuster DREAM Act

    December 18 2010: Senate Republicans Filibuster DREAM Act

    May 2011: Harry Reid re-introduces DREAM Act in the Senate but Republican's vowed to withhold their votes.

    Factually speaking, Democrats have introduced the DREAM Act three times since President Obama took office and the GOP have obstructed and filibustered the DREAM Act three times since President Obama took office.

    Factually speaking, it is Republicans who have done nothing except Filibuster immigration since President Obama took office.

    http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dream-act-senate-republicans-block-act-for-illegal-immigrant-students/story?id=12429589#.T-j6u5ESHMA

    • 5 votes
    Reply#33 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:57 PM EDT

    blah,blah, O's gone... suck it up libby

    • 3 votes
    #33.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:01 PM EDT
    Reply

    Hmmm...the article is misleading, thus misinterpreting what Romney said (and I am no fan of Romney).

    The lead-in states: "Romney told donors in Arizona that he would have preferred that their state have more discretion in enforcing its immigration law...".

    In fact, he said "I would have preferred to see the Supreme Court give more latitude to the states not less...there are states now under this decision have less authority, less latitude to enforce immigration laws."

    What's the difference? The reporter implies that Romney favors separate state immigration laws, with the phrase, "its immigration law." While Romney is stating that under the decision the states have less authority, less latitude to enforce [Ed. Note: Federal] immigration laws.

    However, Romney left out the word "Federal," thus leaving it open to interpretation, either way. But, presumably, as an ex-Governor, he understands the U.S. Constitution clearly mandates the Federal government to control and enforce the national borders.

      Reply#34 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:00 PM EDT

      the federal govt is doing such a stellar job enforcing the law.

      lollll

      • 2 votes
      #34.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:02 PM EDT

      The people of Arizona (as well as the other border states) are perfectly free to insist that their Senators and Representatives, in the U.S. Congress, put forth a proposal to declare a state of national emergency on our border with Mexico, which would allow the state and local law enforcement the authority to enforce Federal law.

      Why haven't they?

      The pathway to the resolution of problems caused by illegal immigration is via the U.S. Congress, not the State Legislatures.

      • 2 votes
      #34.2 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:10 PM EDT

      @SteveinJuno

      I notice that you just joined and all you seem capable of doing is spewing hatred and vitriol. Maybe this is because you're just a worthless troll. If they're paying you they should ask for their money back. You sound like another Alaskan we all know that maybe is a re-reg. It wouldn't surprise me in the least. Same level of lack of intelligence.

      • 1 vote
      #34.3 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:52 PM EDT
      Reply

      What is the point? The US State Department allows 1,000,000 legal immigrants a year to compete against existing citizens and their families for every available resource. 500,000 Asians were allowed in 2011 out of 1,000,000.

        Reply#35 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:03 PM EDT

        Ditto on the U.S. State Department. Congress, not the State Department, decides on the number of visas to permit and for what categories.

        How many Republican sponsored immigration bills have come out of the House of Representatives and are "sitting on Harry's desk?"

        None.

          #35.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:11 PM EDT
          Reply

          Romney's plan - I'm not saying how I'll do anything. Just trust me because I made a lot of money. Seriously, I don't think so!

          • 3 votes
          Reply#36 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:15 PM EDT

          I think Obama is doing a fine job; spent more than Bush in 3.5 years than Bush did in 8. Millions more on food stamps and millions more on disability after they lowered the standards to apply. Electricity is getting ready to "necessarily" skyrocket once the power plants forced to close by the EPA occur in January 2013. What is there not to like? Heck, we are almost like Greece! Come on, you have to admit "we are no one special"...

          • 1 vote
          Reply#37 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:19 PM EDT

          Plus, as we saw in the exit poll in Wisconsin, most voters would go for the Bamster. The fact that the same poll said the recall would be a nail biter and was called in 40 minutes doesn't mean anything on how wrong it was... that same poll showed obama in the lead... where is the love? We WANT higher taxes, we WANT businesses to continue to leave places like Illinois, New York, California, AND the United States... we WANT Obama to take care of us as we have no mind to do things for ourselves.... Come on, let's all sing!

          • 1 vote
          Reply#38 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:26 PM EDT

          little do most of you know about our southern borders or the misconception that they are more secure. Border patrol agents have been given a quota on how many aresst they can make once the have hit that # they do not pick up any more this is from agents that will not tell this to any news media for fear of thier jobs

          • 1 vote
          Reply#39 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:28 PM EDT

          Not to mention that Border Patrol themselves are a self-serving gang that answers to no one but themselves!

            #39.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:32 PM EDT
            Reply

            I think Romney forgets that regardless of the actual date, America is a child and like a child most of the STATES need to have their ears twisted in order to behave like adults. If you dont believe me, ask a certain group of states how well they behaved in enacting civil rights laws for the first 3/4 of the 20th century. We have a federal government for a good reason, WE THE PEOPLE jsut seem to forget the FEDS arent doing anything (well they arent supposed to) that WE dont tell them do to as a majority. IF you have a problem, find a person to offer a solution.

              Reply#40 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:30 PM EDT

              Exactly! All the liberals who were against the Civil Rights movement both in Washington and in the South... Had it not been for the republicans, like Martin Luther King and republican lawmakers, it never would have passed. For kicks and grins, you should look up the party that founded the KKK, will give you a hint, wasn't the republicans.

              • 1 vote
              #40.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:33 PM EDT

              drew who are the slave masters of today??

              • 2 votes
              #40.2 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:49 PM EDT

              Liberals and those who bundle for Obama and spend all our money...

              • 1 vote
              #40.3 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:00 PM EDT

              Drew50, at that period of history I fully agree that the Republicans represented some the liberals. They were not perfectly satisfied with the status quo.

              The Democrats you are referring to were (also known Dixiecrats) were the conservative side of that party that came into prominence as state rights advocates because of President Truman. However it is when Barry Goldwater ran for President that folks like Strom Thurman, Jesse Helm, and Phil Gramm jumped to the Republican Party.

              You are correct in that the State's Rights Democratic Party advocated Jim Crow laws, racial segregation, etc. However they were the "radical right" of the Democrats and were more in tune with the John Birch Society than the other parts of the party. The other side (and majority of the party) were FAR more liberal as they endorsed the "New Deal" of President FDR.

              However, this is also the 2010's, not the 1948 through 1964 years. Things have changed.

              • 2 votes
              #40.4 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:05 PM EDT
              Reply

              If an astute businessman had hired the likes of the Congress with distractions and inaction he might have a performance review possibly with the idea of getting what he was paying for. If it is the responsibility of Congress to deliver on the promises of the Constitution then it is Congress is to held accountable. The Congress could well deliver on its productive years, that last twenty or so and give is the benefit of their long and costly preparations. It may take twenty years to make good legislation, but it were not so perfect it could have been revised ten times.

              Now what do you have to say?

                Reply#41 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:33 PM EDT

                I have to say... spelling and grammar check!

                • 1 vote
                #41.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:34 PM EDT

                Drew we don't want your Enron electricity ..again Bush turn his back on sky rocket electricity remember??

                • 2 votes
                #41.2 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:48 PM EDT

                Enron was Clinton... tried to trick me you silly rascal!!! HAHA

                • 1 vote
                #41.3 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:59 PM EDT

                ???hahahahaha

                  #41.4 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:01 PM EDT

                  Clinton worked for Enron? I saw the movie "Smartest Guy In The Room, they din't mention the president one single time, hmmm. You must be thinking Bain Capital or Haliburton. It's all part of the coming Mormon conglomerate, isn't it?

                  • 2 votes
                  #41.5 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:03 PM EDT

                  Funny though, the Bain Capital issues the Bamster talks about is during the tenure of the guy from Bain Capital that is presently on the Obama campaign staff, Romney had left by then.. But I get it, this IS MSLSD, who likes to edit content... No worries!

                  • 1 vote
                  #41.6 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:08 PM EDT

                  Hey UpstateJohn, no, Clinton didn't work there... but while he was President and showing his patriotism with an intern on her knees in the Oval Office, Enron, MCI, Tyco were all taking advantage of the lax laws of the Clinton admin...

                  • 1 vote
                  #41.7 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:09 PM EDT

                  drew you just cant remember history huh..

                    #41.8 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:12 PM EDT

                    You righties are still jealous over a little head in the broom closet? Clinton knew about jobs, jobs, jobs, which is more than I can say for the contempt chasing GOP these days.

                    • 1 vote
                    #41.9 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:16 PM EDT

                    Yeah, you are right, 8+% unemployment over 3 years is amazing, after all, look how bad unemployment was under Bush until the libs took over in 2007 and straightened it out... You must be so proud of the libs!!

                    2005: $318 Billion deficit 4.6% Unemployment Republican Congress.
                    2006: $248 Billion deficit 4.3% Unemployment Republican Congress.
                    2007: $161 Billion deficit 4.8% Unemp. Last Rep Budget & Nancy Pelosi takes over
                    2008: $458 Billion deficit 7.1% Unemployment Democrat Congress
                    2009: $1.4 Trillion deficit 9.7% Unemployment Democrat Congress
                    2010: $1.55 Trillion Deficit 9.8% Unemployment Democrat Congress

                    The source for deficit numbers is whitehouse dot gov. All unemployment numbers are the December number of that year and the source for that info is Bureau of Labor Statistics.

                    • 1 vote
                    #41.10 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:18 PM EDT

                    Thought you wanted to talk BJs?

                      #41.11 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:20 PM EDT

                      Enron was Clinton... tried to trick me you silly rascal!!! HAHA

                      Enron had been in business many years, but it was in 2001 that Enron took advantage of deregulation, pushed by Republicans in general and California Republicans in particular, to cause artificial shortages and blackouts, drive rates sky high, and screw the people. Enron's "creative accounting" and fraudulent practices caught up with them and they filed bankruptcy in December 2001. Who was President in 2001? Bush Jr. Who controlled Congress in 2001? Republicans.

                      Sounds like Drew just tricked himself...

                      • 1 vote
                      #41.12 - Tue Jun 26, 2012 12:33 AM EDT
                      Reply

                      Should you happen to get elected Mr. Romney, we'll be counting on real Americans in the senate to filibuster every one of your pathetic ideas! Of course no one will know just how pathetic the ideas really are since your mouth is shut tight, lest some of your buffoon followers jump ship.

                      • 4 votes
                      Reply#42 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:47 PM EDT

                      If the Democrats retain control of the Senate (likely) or regain control of the House (also likely) then they won't have to filibuster, just vote down Romney's bad ideas.

                      But somehow, I don't think the Dems will vote against any good proposals that come from Romney just because he's "opposition". they're not as ruthless and vindictive as the Teapublicans. Of course, the likelyhood of a good idea coming from Romney is somewhere between "slim" and "none".

                        #42.1 - Tue Jun 26, 2012 12:38 AM EDT
                        Reply

                        Every election cycle is the same for republicans. During primaries they talk tough on immigration to get money from their xenophobic base, but by the summer they suddenly soften, call for 'immigration reform' and learn Spanish to pander to Hispanic voters. After election they forget about the whole thing.

                        This is why there hasn't been a real immigration reform in about three decades!

                        • 4 votes
                        Reply#43 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:50 PM EDT

                        yep

                          #43.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:52 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          Ikeep wondering when Obama gave this hours long speech to Republicans promising all of these things, Did I miss it?

                          • 1 vote
                          Reply#44 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:54 PM EDT

                          if you watch fox yes.you did

                          • 2 votes
                          #44.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:56 PM EDT

                          We likes foxes, theys got purty tails!

                          • 2 votes
                          #44.2 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:00 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          If Willard doens't like the American way of deciding things he can move to Russia!

                          • 2 votes
                          Reply#45 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:57 PM EDT

                          You mean like Obamacare? Where they locked the doors and wouldn't let any republicans in... yeah, that is how it needs to be done from now on... Only this time, we need GOOD, THOUGHT-THROUGH, ideas, unlike those given to us by Liberals that destroy our country. So you are right, I am all for locking them out and no compromise! Good Post!!

                            #45.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:20 PM EDT

                            Obromneycare?

                            • 3 votes
                            #45.2 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:36 PM EDT

                            Um, Drew, didn't you realize that the "health insurance mandate" was actually a Republican idea? Yep, the Republicans were all in favor of forcing everyone to buy health insurance from their insurance company buddies - until it was incorporated into the Affordable Healthcare Act.

                            Then all of the sudden, the Republicans declared their very own idea as "Terrible" and "unconstitutional"! Apparently, the Republicans figure any idea embraced by their "enemy" must be bad, even if it's their own idea.

                            Of course, if the Teapublicans get into power, they'll toss out "Obamacare" and replace it with their own nearly identical version - and suddenly that "health insurance mandate" will once again be a really really good idea, because it comes from a Republican!

                            • 1 vote
                            #45.3 - Tue Jun 26, 2012 1:15 AM EDT
                            Reply

                            In some states, if they are given enough "latitude" they would probably be throwing the bodies of illegal aliens back across the border. This is a national problem and needs a solution coming out of our lawmakers and law enforcers in Washington DC.

                              Reply#46 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:59 PM EDT

                              Sure give them carte blanche to do as they will. There will then be an exodus of illegals to states not on the border. Descrimination against US citizens will run rampant. If one looks like an Hispanic they will be hassled.

                              I really don't think Romney really has an opinion. He is just pandering to the Hispanic voters and to the bigots alike. He wants votes and will say anything he thinks he needs to in order to get votes.

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#47 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:00 PM EDT

                              Get of my lawn! I can't have any illegals mowing my lawn for cripes sake. I'm running for president!

                              • 2 votes
                              Reply#48 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:07 PM EDT

                              JOHN, now that's downright cruel. :)

                                #48.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:08 PM EDT

                                hahaha who said that..that sounds like someone who hides money over seas

                                • 2 votes
                                #48.2 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:09 PM EDT

                                Didn't Obama promise to take on immigration and make it a top priority once elected?

                                And now it is an election year and here we go again. Promise, and words. That is all Obama is .....words!

                                • 1 vote
                                #48.3 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:15 PM EDT

                                Well the Republicans won't pass anything unless they can make poor people or your grandmother pay for it, so if anything is going to get done, executive order baby!

                                • 3 votes
                                #48.4 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:18 PM EDT
                                Reply

                                I think Romney needs stop trying to please everyone. I wish he would just say "We have laws and the President of the United States must enforce all the laws, our current President only enforces laws that he agrees with." Its time to deport all illegal aliens, secure our border and fine anyone who hires an illegal.

                                  Reply#49 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:08 PM EDT

                                  Obama of a failure to lead on immigration and creating a "muddle" of the issue. <~~ Muddle??? Nay, pretty clear....Obama is out for votes and only so many dead can rise.

                                  • 2 votes
                                  Reply#50 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:10 PM EDT

                                  funny how someone would steal someones death certificate to vote ..oh don't worry about the money ...yeah i can see a criminal now..we need to vote who's identity can we steal..hahahaha

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #50.1 - Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:15 PM EDT
                                  Reply
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