PALIN: "No amnesty! Do we make them register with the federal government? Yes!"
"“We, our policy, John McCain has been so clear with his policy and it makes a lot of sense too. We secure our borders first. But then with a comprehensive approach we must deal humanely with those who are here, and we must allow the steps to be taken to protect the families of those who are here, maybe as illegal immigrants today.....”
"Governor, let me ask you about immigration. How many undocumented immigrants are there in Alaska?
I don't know, I don't know. That's a good question.
As governor, how do you deal with them? Do you think they all should be deported?
There is no way that in the US we would roundup every illegal immigrant--there are about 12 million of the illegal immigrants--not only economically is that just an impossibility but that's not a humane way anyway to deal with the issue that we face with illegal immigration.
Do you then favor an amnesty for the 12 or 13 million undocumented immigrants?
No, I do not. I do not. Not total amnesty. [Emphasis added.] You know, people have got to follow the rules. They've got to follow the bar, and we have got to make sure that there is equal opportunity and those who are here legally should be first in line for services being provided and those opportunities that this great country provides.
To clarify, so you support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?
I do because I understand why people would want to be in America. To seek the safety and prosperity, the opportunities, the health that is here. It is so important that yes, people follow the rules so that people can be treated equally and fairly in this country."
You can post transcripts of all the “gotcha” interviews you want, but the only thing that will really answer the question of where Governor Palin stands on the subject of illegal immigration, is her own policy position paper.
She has stated over and over again in interviews that she is opposed to illegal immigration, that she wants the border secured, and for all of the illegals to follow the rules of our country, but it’s all too easy for a person to be imprecise in these fast-paced interviews, or to leave out key parts of one’s position on an issue.
Some people (like you) will seize on these informal statements to try to nail a politician to the floor, when in fact these statements aren’t their official positions.
As I told another poster, Governor Palin will put out a compilation of her policy positions at some point. They will be detailed and extensive. That’s the point where we can really have a discussion about where she stands on things.