Le Mars, Iowa (CNN) - GOP candidate Mitt Romney pledged Saturday to veto any effort by Congress to create a path to citizenship for young adults in the United States illegally.
Romney's declaration was not out of step with previous statements he has made about the issue, but it appeared to be the first time the candidate directly said he would veto a congressionally-backed effort.
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"The question is, if I were elected and Congress were to pass the DREAM Act, would I veto it, and the answer is yes," Romney said in response to a query from the audience of roughly 200 at The Family Table in Le Mars.
The DREAM Act would offer a path to citizenship for minors in the country illegally, providing they served in the armed forces or attended college.
The initiative has not gained enough support to pass Congress despite several attempts.
Romney said Saturday he would support a path to residency - not citizenship - for those who served in the military, but would not support other DREAM Act proposals.
"I'm 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 of this country," he said. "For those who come here illegally, the idea of giving them in-state tuition credits or other special benefits I find to be contrary to the idea of a nation of law."
A campaign aide said Romney opposed the DREAM Act provisions which would grant a path to citizenship for people who complete high school and two years of post-secondary education or those which allow states to grant illegal immigrants in-state tuition.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry has come under fire from conservatives for supporting Texas legislation that granted in-state tuition for the children of some illegal immigrants.
The Democratic National Committee released a statement Saturday seizing on the comments.
"Mitt Romney has shown once again that he is out of touch and far to the right of even members of his own party, and that he would not represent the best interest of middle class Americans, those still trying to reach the middle class, and Hispanics in the country," said DNC Senior Advisor for Hispanic Affairs, Juan Sepúlveda.
Both parties are courting Hispanic voters, a growing voting bloc, in the run-up to the 2012 elections.
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And that's why he will never be President.
Juan Sepúlveda is out of touch with what the majority of Americans really believe is right. We should take the finger prints of every illegal alien and deport them and if they are caught again illegally in the US; they should never be able to obtain US citizenship.
Congratulations Mittens. Any support you might have had with Latinos (and any other group that knows the benefits of an educated workforce) will be on its way down.
Dems, since he's mostl likely going to win the nomination, start running the ads in Arizona, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, N. Carolina, Georgia, etc. Romney must know what a landslide loss in November 2012 will feel like.
Obama/Biden/E.Warren 2012
Well, Romney lost my vote. There is no moderation in the Conservative Party!
Romney is pathetic. What a disgrace to see him as a Presidential candidate. Panderer-in-Chief, Poser-in-Chief, take your pick. Flip-flopping enough to show that a jellyfish has a stronger spine. Running a company that thrived on predatory practices. How dumb does someone have to be to proudly display a 'Romney in 2012' placard? What original ideas has he proposed to move America forward? Veto the DREAM act? Totally ridiculous and impractical. Republicans, cry into your Bibles at the state of your (tea) party. I'll take Obama – he got Bin Laden and numerous other terrorists....Mitt, have fun with that raw ambition that you possess. As a taxi driver in Boise once said "slicker than snot.".
Romney, you've just lost the latino votes supporting you. Remember who put Obama in office...
I think Romney is right in providing for those who joined the military but it should be citizenship and not just permanent residency. In-state tution for illegals is wrong . I came to this country legally from international country and had to pay international tution. Why do Mexicans pay in-state just because Mexico is close to US? What about us that have abided by the law and become citizens legally ? I have nothing against people who come here illegally ; just that they should also follow the law in this country. Mexico is without laws and that is why that country is in that state. Immigrants - legal or illegal, you have to realize US is great because people here are honest and hard-working . Honesty is a virtue highly prized here and I as an international legal immigrant honor it - time you did too my friend .
Casa De Maryland to raise $10,000,000,00 in defending "Dream Act". The dept of legislative Services state that the Dream Act will cost Maryland taxpayers $778,000in 2014.....but up to $3,000,000,00 {million} in 2016!! We the voters in California are having the Dream Act pushed down our throats....by Gov.Brown and ALL Democratic Reps.
The LIBERAL Nordic democracies all deport all illegal aliens. they do not put them into school. These are LIBERAL, PROGRESSIVES democracies.
Cool...so I get to come to this country and apply for 10 units at my local JC and BLING! Citizen....yay....
Don't we have enough college graduates on the unemployment line already?
However...if you want to serve and risk your life for this country...hell, I'll write up the citizenship paperwork for you.
I am a democrat however I strongly agree with Romney.. If you are illegal you have NO business in my country, Just because your underage, means nothing. Its your parents fault.
I agree with Romney on this. Granting Citizenship bypasses many of the requirements of being a US citizen. Then it would open the door to legal beneficiaries, false marriages, and many loopholes to get other non citizens in the country.
We need people dedicated to our country, not just people in need.
I believe the Dream Act would create a new sub culture that is not beneficial to the United States.
I am glad that he would veto such legislation as I don't believe in dangling any other carrots in front of those who consider leaving their country and coming to ours to displace our citizens opportunity to occupy a seat in our nations colleges, especially at a discount. Secure the borders and enforce our immigration laws, do not provide encouragement or a rewards to those who broke our laws or to the kids of who break our laws. We do not give the kids of a bank robber the key to the vault, why would you give the keys to our country to the kids of those who break our immigration laws. I am tired of the sob stories. Break our laws, suffer the consequences and sometimes your kids suffer as well.
Mitt Romney's arrogance and ignorance are both disturbing and sickening. This country was founded by immigrants, was brought to become the greatest nation in the world by settlers and immigrants and still is the biggest melting pot of race and culture in the world. We are not talking about making hardened criminals US citizens but giving educated hard working people a chance to become productive US citizens in our society. They are not stealing jobs and taking away tax payer money which is how most republicans try to distort what the dream act is truly about. These are hispanics that have lived in America most of their lives to which some have gone on to earn a college degree yet they are demonized as if they are less than human and undeserving to live amongst other Americans. This archaic way of thinking is poison for the future of our country and should be condemned by those seeking to hold the highest office. Allowing hard working, honest hispanic people a path to become US citizens and an become an active part of our society will bring huge benefits as they have the opportunity to start businesses, create american jobs, pay taxes and contribute to our economy.
-Steve-
Asking someone to serve in the military...and risk their lives for this country...only to be granted residency...if they make it out alive...reflects the thinking...and values of most of the republican nominees...how absurd...
Veto dream act? Good for him. It's nothing but buying votes anyway.
I thin the majority of Americans want Illegal Immigrants out. Its not fair that we have to keep paying for illegal immigrants health care, tuition and other costs, not to mention the number of increases in violent crimes by illegal immigrants over the last year or two. Things need to change! and Romney is the one to do it. Illegal means illegal. My father was a LEGAL immigrant who worked his butt off to come down here, and go through school, get work, and raise a family. He had to do everything himself and obtain his green card. Why can't these other people do the same thing. Go through the legal process of waiting to come here rather than flooding in here, wasting our resources and tax dollars and screwing the middle class out of jobs. I applaud Romney for taking a stand against illegal immigration and am glad I am a moderate independent ...having recently switched from Democrat.
There goes mitt Romney again, pandering to which ever audience he needs votes from. Don't worry Iowa he won't do a 180 like Obama did. I mean it's not like he was a democrat a few years ago.
Great idea Mitt. Let's ensure that the illegals that are already here can't get an education, pulling our qualify of life down overall. You sir, are a genius.
Between ancient Rome and Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers I believe that service in the military should grant citizenship! (That and over 11 years on active duty in the US Army.)
Service guarantees citizenship!
Major Alex
US Army
Now you guys know why Romney will not beat Obama in the general election; he's looking to be President of the divided States of America... That's what separates the two!
Is that his son on the left ?
I'm sure he will run for president in 2020 and cary on the dynasty.
Would they have to graduate from a course, or just attend for two years whether they complete their degree or not? A half-completed degree is worthless.
Once again the wacko right wing Republicans prove what a bunch of racist biggots they are. Their dream country is all white bible banging tea partiers. aka the third reich. I'm glad Romney is leading in the Republican circus. Obama will easily beat him. btw, Um a life long republican that is disgusted with what the Republican party has turned into.
I would veto the DREAM act as well.