Senator John McCain says he remains committed to immigration reform, but securing the nation's borders must be part of the deal. The Republican presidential candidate made his remarks in San Diego today at the National Council of La Raza meeting. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
McCain said he took political risks by backing an effort to reform the nation's immigration system. He says the attempt failed because Americans weren't convinced that our borders would be made secure.
Senator John McCain : So, if we're gonna pass the legislation, we have to give the American people the confidence that we're not only securing our borders because of the issue of illegal immigration, but my friends, you know what's happening with the drug trafficking across our border, which is killing young Americans.
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama claims McCain abandoned his position on immigration during the Primary campaign. McCain refuted that charge, and says he'll make reform a top priority if he's elected president.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
(Photos by Nathan Gibbs / KPBS)
