Candidates and immigration

January 29, 2008 There are 12 million illegal immigrants in this country. A hot debate has grown up over what that means to our economy and our culture.

Here's where the candidates stand.

DEMOCRATS

Barack Obama, John Edwards, and Hillary Clinton basically have the same plan. They all want a border fence with Mexico and tougher penalties for employers who hire illegals.

Illegal immigrants could stay in the country on temporary visas as they apply for citizenship. But they'd have to pay fines and prove they speak English.

The one area of disagreement: Obama would allow illegal immigrants to have driver's licenses. Clinton and Edwards say no.

REPUBLICANS

All the GOP candidates agree with the democrats on a border fence with Mexico.

And like the democrats, both Rudy Giuliani and John McCain would allow illegal immigrants to stay here on temporary visas, applying for citizenship after paying fines and proving they can speak English.

Mike Huckabee would also allow illegals to apply for citizenship, but first they'd have to return to their native lands within four months and apply for temporary visas back in America.

Mitt Romney would allow illegal immigrants to apply for citizenship, and allow some people to stay on temporary work visas.

Candidates' immigration links:

Clinton (D): http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/immigration/

Edwards (D): http://www.johnedwards.com/issues/immigration/

Giuliani (R): http://www.joinrudy2008.com/issues/view/15

Huckabee (R): http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=4

McCain (R): http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/68db8157-d301-4e22-baf7-a70dd8416efa.htm

Obama (D): http://www.barackobama.com/issues/immigration/

Paul (R): http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/border-security-and-immigration-reform/

Romney (R): http://www.mittromney.com/Issues/immigration