McCain has backed off from the comprehensive immigration reform he wrote with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) in 2006, Holtz-Eakin said. Instead, McCain now advocates spending $3 billion to upgrade border security, in addition to billions of dollars already committed, to stop illegal immigration -- before deciding how to deal with those already in the country.
"He doesn't see a practical way to deport 12 million people," Holtz-Eakin said. At a Republican debate when immigration came up, McCain said, "We are all God's children."
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday, February 06, 2008 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 45 words Type of Material: Correction
John McCain: An article in Monday's Section A about Sen. John McCain and Arizona Republicans' views of his stance on immigration said a new state law fined businesses that hired undocumented workers. The law calls for revoking the licenses of businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
Randy Pullen, an anti-immigration activist who was elected chairman of Arizona's Republican Party last year, predicted the party will coalesce around McCain if he wins the nomination. But until then, many leaders are tepid in their support.
"There are a lot of passionate conservatives who don't believe in what Sen. McCain believes in," he said. Pullen is among those who have criticized McCain's position on immigration, but it goes beyond a single issue. He cited the senator's vote against President Bush's tax cuts and backing of campaign finance reform.
Many Arizona conservatives think illegal immigrants are ruining their state, driving up crime and imposing billions of dollars in service costs. Arizona has an estimated half-million illegal immigrants, representing about 10% of the state's population, among the highest proportions in the nation.
The conservatives say it is not necessary to round up illegal immigrants -- they argue that many will leave voluntarily if they face greater difficulties and legal obstacles. It is an approach that appears directly opposite of McCain's sensibilities and views.
A law written by Pearce would levy big fines on employers who hire illegal immigrants and will close companies that repeatedly violate the law. The bill was passed with overwhelming support in the Legislature, including a big chunk of the Democrats, and signed by Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano.
"We don't need to round up illegal immigrants," Pearce said. "Just enforce the laws. At traffic stops, if the driver doesn't have a driver's license, any identification and doesn't speak English, it is common sense that something is wrong."
The law is under attack by both the business community and civil liberties groups, and legal challenges are preventing it from going until effect until March 1. Still, it may already be having its desired effect. Demand for social services is down, and school enrollments in Latino neighborhoods are unexpectedly dropping. Officials in other states and Mexico have complained that immigrants are streaming out of Arizona, creating demands for services elsewhere.
