Romney would veto path-to-citizenship DREAM Act

By: Sarah B. Boxer
Topics: Campaign 2012

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney makes his way through a crowd during a campaign stop at Old Salt Restaurant in Hampton, N.H., Dec. 31, 2011.

(Credit: AP Photo)

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Mitt Romney, an opponent of the DREAM Act, said he would veto it if it came across his desk as president.

The question was posed Saturday by a voter at the Family Table Restaurant in Le Mars. It was the first time Romney had been asked directly if he would veto the act and he responded that the "answer is yes."

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The DREAM Act would allow children brought to the United States illegally by their parents to earn citizenship by taking a number of steps that include completing college or serving two years in the military. It was been considered several times by Congress but has never passed.

Romney said he is open to military service -- with appropriate requirements -- as a way for people to earn permanent residency as it currently is a way for people to earn citizenship.

"I am delighted with the idea that people who come to this country and wish to serve in the military can be given a path to become permanent residents in this country. Those who serve in our military and fulfill those requirements, I respect and acknowledge that path," he said. He does not support a path to citizenship through education.

David Axelrod, President Obama's top campaign adviser, tweeted that Romney's comments Saturday were "Wrong on principle & politics." Juan Sepulveda, the Democratic National Committee's senior adviser for Hispanic Affairs, called Romney's veto threat "appalling." He said it removed any doubt that his "far-right views on immigration would make him the most extreme presidential nominee in recent memory."

Sarah B. Boxer
Sarah B. Boxer covers politics for CBS News.
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by joelwisch2 January 2, 2012 5:54 PM EST: He said it removed any doubt that his "far-right views on immigration would make him the most extreme presidential nominee in recent memory.
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Is anyone else worried about the fact that this is not about immigration at all. It is about illegal aliens and Obama doesn't seem to know that. It is about spending our money where we don't want them spending it. It is about listening to the American People. It is about a criminal class of people in the United States that have made an enormous amount of demands from the American People, and Obama trying hard to say yes.

NO Mr. Obama. NO! Try and stick to Government Business and enforce the laws of the land.; Reply to this comment


by GI_Jane_Hawaii January 2, 2012 3:50 PM EST: And Romney and his family never served in the military, so what do they know. His sons said they were too busy working on his political campaigns to put their lives on the line for America.; Reply to this comment


by GI_Jane_Hawaii January 2, 2012 3:49 PM EST: At least the foreigners haven't massacred anyone yet . . . unlike the native-born "soldiers" like Tim McVeigh, Major Hassan, and the latest one, the Army vet in Washington state who killed the park ranger.; Reply to this comment


by ruffiannd January 1, 2012 4:21 PM EST: And that, Mr.Romney, is why you will never be president.; Reply to this comment


by esq777 January 1, 2012 2:39 PM EST: As of today, when he's sucking up to conservatives, Willard says he would veto it. Ask him when he's in front of a Hispanic group and you'll undoutedly get a new "evolved" position. This guy is an empty suit who changes his policies like a chameleon to try and ingratiate himself to whatever group can help him at the moment.; Reply to this comment


by sandy 1027 January 1, 2012 12:58 PM EST: Many Hispanic youth came here as small children,and this is the only country and culture that they have ever known.Romney's position on the Dream Act ,a modest bill,shows how willing he is to pander to those on the hard right.The down side for the GOP in this is that Hispanics are a large segment of the electorate, and this will only serve to further alienate them from the GOP.; Reply to this comment

by focusonjobs1 January 1, 2012 12:58 PM EST

I don't understand how so many can turn a blind eye to how this country was founded. All of you are children of immigrants unless you are a Native American Indian. And the majority have never served our country or sacrificed anything to earn the privilege of being a citizen. I would support any bill that would allow for CITIZENSHIP after serving 6 or more years in the military, and I would bet every veteran would support the bill also because we know there is no greater commitment.

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by focusonjobs1 January 1, 2012 9:54 PM EST: After they have served our country they have earned the right to be called an American!!! How is granting them the right to be a permanent resident vs. a legal citizen going to prevent a terrorist act?

by -Skirt- January 1, 2012 11:31 AM EST

Discussing immigration, whether legal or illegal, outside of the context of a clear, concise, immigration policy, is equivalent to an emotional bowel movement.

You can't have a rational conversation discussing the parts of a whole... a whole that does not exist. It's purely academic, hypothetical prattle.

The US has no clear, concise immigration policy. Current laws regarding immigration are largely ignored by the States. California has "Sanctuary Cities" which clearly break federal law (but they don't care because they city's leaders feel the law is unfair, racist, incomplete, and/or unconstitutional).

Let's end the conversation on the parts and pieces of immigration policy and debate it top down... a macro to micro conversation.

First overall discussion has to be, "Is immigration a federal jurisdiction or State's jurisdiction??"

Once we decide this, we can discuss the nuts and bolts.

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by joelwisch2 January 2, 2012 6:02 PM EST: city's leaders feel the law is unfair, racist, incomplete, and/or unconstitutional
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No.. actually they don't. In way to many places, when the Sanctuary Cities started business, George Bush refused to enforce the law and it was the easiest way to deal with illegal aliens at the local level. AFTER declaring themselves Sanctuary Cities, the cities discovered that opened the door to Social Services, and massive abuse by the illegal aliens.
The Federal Government has to enforce the law and two Presidents want that cheap labor in place. Trouble is, after all the Social Services they demand, they are very, very expensive for the people.. cheap for the employers. It IS going to stop.


by greco99-2009 January 1, 2012 11:27 AM EST: Romney is against the DREAM act during the Iowa caucus, but will be for something similar during the NY and California primaries. Previously he was both for amnesty and at times against it.

And, when it came to work on his own home he gladly hired undocumented workers then tried to blame others. Then did it again.

Now, apply this to war with Iran - he will be for it until it starts, then he will be against it unless its tuesday then he will be for it again...; Reply to this comment

by OnTheCrown January 1, 2012 11:13 AM EST

I think Romney is wrong on this one.

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by -Skirt- January 1, 2012 11:32 AM EST: I can hear him reply, "That's just fine."


by Ocelohuatzin January 3, 2012 2:34 AM EST: Mr. Romney is evil. He supports US wars of aggression, but his 4 sons dont go.
He would allow undocumented youth to get papers if they go to war to kill and die for the 1%
He would not allow undocumented youth to get papers if they go to school.
Hypocrite, racist, war-mongerer for the rich, and he would save all the Mormons.
Basically evil.