“I thought that he would not be in favor of citizenship for these folks”
If they are given legal status they automatically become eligible to apply for citizenship.
And to be honest I don’t know how someone can justify amnesty without citizenship. Are they viewed as mere cheap labor who should not be allowed to vote? There really is no middle ground. If they stay they should have all the rights and responsibilities of a citizen so they can be assimilated. The alternative is to deport them, so they don’t become a drag to society.
“If they are given legal status they automatically become eligible to apply for citizenship.”
Have you ever heard of a green card? That does not automatically make one eligible for citizenship.
We’ve had green cards for many, many years.
FWIW, Newt is saying that there is a middle ground.
They will be allowed to work, but won’t be afforded the freedoms and protection that citizenship allows.