Friday, June 22, 2012
Associated Press
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.
Backing off the harsh rhetoric of the Republican primaries, Mitt Romney pledged Thursday to address illegal immigration “in a civil but resolute manner.” He outlined plans to overhaul the green-card system for immigrants with families and end immigration caps for their spouses and minor children.
In a speech before Hispanic leaders, Romney made only passing mention of his promise to complete a 2,000-mile border fence to help stem illegal immigration. Instead he attacked President Barack Obama’s new plan to ease deportation rules for some illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children as little more than a “stop-gap measure.”
“As President, I won’t settle for a stop-gap measure. I will work with Republicans and Democrats to find a long-term solution,” Romney told the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.
Obama will speak to the same group today.