Marco Rubio Admits: Amnesty Critics Have ‘Very Valid Argument’

Sen. Marco Rubio still supports immigration reform, including the ability for illegal immigrants to apply for green cards. But in a recent media interview, he admitted that his quest for reform would be difficult to pass through Congress, even acknowledging that critics have a valid argument against it.

When asked by CNBC’s John Harwood if he still supported the Gang of Eight proposal allowing illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for green cards in 10 years, Rubio indicated on CNBC that that he didn’t – because it would be impossible to pass. But Rubio admitted that he was open to the idea that illegal immigrants should be able to apply for green cards in the future.

“I have always said that I’m open to people having access to apply for a green card,” he said, arguing that it was wrong to have millions of illegal immigrants in American who would never be allowed to become citizens.

But Rubio was realistic in the interview about any immigration reform passing in the near future, even calling the argument against amnesty from critics “valid” regarding a pathway to citizenship.

“The argument you hear from people is, why should someone who came illegally be able to access citizenship or a green card faster than someone who came here legally,” he said. “It’s a very valid argument and one that will serve as a strong impediment to making progress on immigration.”