GOP candidates' views on immigration

In advance of this afternoon's debate, I am posting this AP story on how each of the Republican presidential candidates stand on the immigration issue:

The stands of these 2008 Republican presidential candidates on immigration.

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Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas

Where he stands:

Voted for 2006 bill offering legal status to illegal immigrants subject to conditions, including English proficiency and payment of back taxes and fines. Voted for border fence.

What he's said: "I think you need the comprehensive reform, and you need enforcement, and you need to make the system simpler and allow more people in legally, to get people into a legal instead of an illegal system." - Interview with The Associated Press, April 12.

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Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani

Where he stands:

Open to conferring legal status if proficiency in English is among conditions.

What he's said:

"They would have to have tamper-resistant cards. They would have to be identified. We'd have to be sure they are people who have a lawful background.

"Then we'd be able to collect taxes from them, so they wouldn't be using our services without paying for them. And then that database could be used for, ultimately, if you want to deal with the people that are already here.

"But they should never be put ahead of the people who are here already. Anybody that gets in to a database like that should have to be at the end of the line rather than at the front of the line. They should have to pay penalties." - FlashReport political news Web site, March 26.

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Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee

Where he stands:

Favors allowing illegal aliens in the country to apply for legal status if they pay penalties, get guest worker permits, register with authorities and aren't allowed to jump in line ahead of other applicants. As governor, opposed banning state services for illegal immigrants.

What he's said:

"There must be consequences for illegal actions for violation of our rule of law. I propose that such individuals should be required to register with state and federal authorities, receive guest worker permits, pay financial penalties and be given the choice of deportation or undertaking the process of lawful citizenship that does not allow them to cut in front of the line." - Statement issued by campaign April 10.

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Rep. Duncan Hunter of California

Where he stands:

Favors deporting the millions of illegal aliens. A sponsor of legislation authorizing construction of Mexico border fence.

What he's said:

"When you discover an effective deterrent to crime, you use it. I know fencing helps secure our nation's borders because criminal activity in every statistical category has been eliminated or decreased since we built the border fence in San Diego County." - Statement on campaign Web site.

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Sen. John McCain of Arizona

Where he stands:

Sponsored 2006 bill allowing illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S., work and apply to become legal residents after learning English, paying fines and back taxes and clearing a background check.

What he's said:

"While strengthening border security is an essential component of national security, it must also be accompanied by immigration reforms. We have seen time and again that as long as there are jobs available in this country for people who live in poverty and hopelessness in other countries, those people will risk their lives to cross our borders - no matter how formidable the barriers - and most will be successful." - Press release issued March 30, 2006.

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Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

Where he stands:

Says he opposes McCain's immigration bill, although he called it reasonable in 2005. Supports building a border fence with Mexico and stationing National Guard troops there. Favors penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

As governor, reached an agreement with Washington allowing state troopers to enforce federal immigration law, including arresting illegal immigrants and seeking their deportation.

What he's said:

"Another aspect of American sovereignty is the security of our borders. The current system is a virtual concrete wall against those who have skill and education, but it's a wide-open walk across the border for those that have neither." - Remarks at Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, March 2.

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Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado

Where he stands:

Opposes legal status for illegal immigrants. Doesn't favor mass deportation; says illegal immigrants will "self-deport" if businesses are penalized for hiring them and jobs are unavailable. Favors deep cut in legal immigration.

What he's said:

"When people say things like, 'Well, you can't just deport 12 million to 20 million (people),' I say, 'Stop there. Yes, you can.'

"It is a huge undertaking, but yes, you can do that. The good thing is, we don't have to. Millions and millions will return home, if the thing for which they came is not available. If you cannot get a job or social service benefits here, what do you do?" - Interview with AP, April 13.

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Former Wisconsin Gov. and former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson

Where he stands:

Says people in the U.S. illegally should be deported and should have to wait at the end of the line behind people seeking to enter the U.S. or become citizens legally.