Kentucky Senator Rand Paul is dramatically softening his stance on immigration reform. Paul told the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday there could be a place in America for undocumented workers.
At first there was some confusion about what Paul said to the Hispanic Chamber. It was reported that the Kentucky Senator embraced comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. But later on CNN, Paul clarified.
“As far as pathways what we say to those who are here, those who have been working, those who may not be documented, we say if you want to work, if you want to stay in America, we’ll find a place for you," Paul said. "As far as citizenship that’s sort of a different story. What we’re talking about is work visas.”
Paul’s immigration evolution was not welcomed by many conservatives. And according to Bob Dane of Federation for Immigration Reform, it’s still amnesty.
“And even if it’s just a work permit, that is providing the very thing that illegal aliens ultimately want; the chance to stay in the country and the chance to work," Dane said.
Rudy Lopez of Fair Immigration Reform Movement says Paul’s softening from his not-too-long-ago immigration hardline is a welcomed development.
“What we’re hearing from Rand Paul. What we’re hearing from Marco Rubio. What we’re hearing from other conservative voices, are beginning to think about common sense approaching to an important problem and I feel good about the progress we’re making," Lopez said.
Nevertheless, Lopez says a pathway to citizenship is a must-have for comprehensive immigration reform.
