views of the leading GOP candidates on immigration reform

GOP candidates' views on immigration - By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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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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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