To wit, they support "getting tough on immigration" as a concept, but then suddenly get very reluctant when the conversation turns to details--because some of those details will personally inconvenience them.
True. Until republican candidates put the interests of the country on this issue above their political career and are willing risk their office on the principle of doing the right thing, nothing will get done. I thought in the wake of 9/11 there would be more of an attitudinal change on immigration.... apparently not.