I'm finding his immigration record isn't what "governor goodhair" critics say.
Perry's signed bills against human trafficking (HB 1372, 4008 & SB 11 of '07), on increased border security (probably the Rangers on the border he's mentioned; HB1 of '07), for tougher employer sanctions (HB 1196 of '07), on document fraud (HB 126 of '07) and signed Voter ID. Source: http://www.txcc.org/illegal-immigration & Reuters (Voter ID signing)
He did send Texas Rangers to the border like he claimed in Iowa: Texas governor sends Rangers to Mexico border (2009)
He also mentioned using arial assets on the border when in Iowa:
Texas Gov. Rick Perry says Predator drones should patrol Texas border (2009)
Texas gets a second aerial drone for border security (2011)
He's not for amnesty or "pathway to citizenship" as a reward:
In A December 2006 editorial, Gov. Perry wrote: "I would rather know who is crossing our border legally to work instead of not knowing who is crossing our border illegally to work. A guest worker program that provides foreign workers with an ID removes the incentive for millions of people to illegally enter our country. It also adds those workers to our tax base, generates revenue for needed social services and it can be done without providing citizenship." and "Along with millions of Americans, I think it is wrong to reward those who broke our laws with citizenship ahead of those who have followed the law and are waiting to enter this country legally. And like millions of Americans I do not support amnesty." (Emphasis mine.)
Source: http://governor.state.tx.us/news/editorial/10326/
He's a critic of E-Verify's lack of impact on Texas but it is used in thousands of Texas business although not required. However, Texas does require and use the I-9 "employment eligibility" forms which is where E-Verify is supposed to take its info. So in a real sense Texas already verifies eligibility, and under Perry it became harder on employers who violate the law and those who provide documents to defraud employers. Hutchison says Texas state doesn't use E-Verify to weed out undocumented workers applying for jobs (PolitiFact, 2010)
A mandatory E-Verify bill failed to pass the Texas legislature this year Business leaders say mandatory ‘E-Verify’ plan would harm small businesses (2011)
Perry snuck a ban on driver's licenses for illegals through (SB 1). ID measure passed quietly, while sanctuary cities bill died noisily
A bill banning "sanctuary cities," added by Perry to the recent special session, passed the Senate but failed in the Texas House. Same story as above: ID measure passed quietly, while sanctuary cities bill died noisily
I look at all this and have to ask what people are complaining so much about. I don't see an "open borders" candidate here.
I see someone interested in common sense, security, safety and business. All things we could use in Washington right now!
One of the provisions of SB 1528 requires a non-citizen/permanent resident file an affidavit with the educational institution with intent to apply for Permanent Resident status as soon as able to do so.