The second time Bush ran I recall Bush supporters telling people not to bring up the borders, amnesty or illegals until AFTER the election as there would be plenty of time to address that once he was elected.
I’m dead serious. No joke.
But it was brought up during the domestic policy debate with Kerry in 2004. And W came out definitely against amnesty, saying it would reward illegal behavior and we couldn't do that. Kerry was for amnesty.
From the 2004 domestic policy debate, W said:
Now, it's very important for our citizens to also know that I don't believe we ought to have amnesty. I don't think we ought to reward illegal behavior. There are plenty of people standing in line to become a citizen. And we ought not to crowd these people ahead of them in line.
If they want to become a citizen, they can stand in line, too.
And here is where my opponent and I differ. In September 2003, he supported amnesty for illegal aliens.
Good old honest W.
Right hand column, question #12.