Compassion(ate). Where have I heard that before from Republicans to rationalize all kinds of non-conservative nonsense?
(IMO) Perry's "compassion" is based on Biblical concepts not the phony, political-pandering compassion used to implement big-government, big-spending solutions. His compassion is supported (IMO) by a Biblical premise that speaks to me as a Christian.
Matthew 25:40-46 NIV
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Certainly the above concept doesn't imply that our government should financially support illegals. It's intended for individuals. But I think it's where Perry is coming from when he says "through no fault of their own." He seems to consider those children "the least of these." I also think the above concept is what he meant by "heartless."
I've thought long and hard about this particular subject because I am totally against amnesty for illegals. In-state tuition should seem counter-productive to border security. But most illegals come to America looking for freedom and opportunity and to escape the corruption and violence in their country. Few, if any, cross the border with the immediate goal of sending their children to college.
Stopping illegal immigration must be a priority. Cutting off free benefits to illegals must be a priority. But what do we do with their children who know no home other than America? I don't know the answer, but allowing them to pay for a college education doesn't seem counter-productive to me. It seems productive.