Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, along with his wife, Ann Romney, appeared on “CBS This Morning” on Friday to discuss a variety of issues. Regarding immigration, Romney noted:
I am absolutely convinced that the Republican Party must deal with immigration, and I do believe that those who’ve come here illegally ought to have an opportunity to get in line with everybody else. I don’t think those who’ve come illegally should jump to the front of the line or be given a special deal – be rewarded for coming here illegally – but I think they should have a chance, just like anybody else, to get in line and become a citizen if they’d like to do so.
Some in the media seemed to take Romney’s remarks as a sign the former governor has completely shifted his views. For instance, Fusion’s Jordan Fabian described Romney’s remarks as a “startling about-face on immigration reform.” The caption at the top of Fabian’s article even reads: “now [Romney] says they should be able to remain in the U.S. and earn citizenship.”
Not so fast.
Look at Romney’s statement carefully. Where does he advocate that illegal immigrants should be able to ‘remain’ in the U.S. (or obtain work permits even, as the Gang-of-8 bill proposes) while in line? In fact, Romney is careful to add that those who came illegally should not be given a “special deal” or “rewarded.” He simply says all should have a chance to “get in line” and become a citizen. Heck, even the staunchest opponent of immigration reform agrees all should have the opportunity to apply.
So… don’t count Romney as a Gang-of-8 enthusiast just yet.
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