Clinton: Mass deportations not solution to illegal immigration


Associated Press - November 6, 2007 http://www.whotv.com/Global/story.asp?S ... 7&nav=2HAB

AMANA, Iowa (AP) - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton says mass deportation is not the answer to illegal immigration.

During a stop today in Amana, the Democratic presidential front-runner said the country needs comprehensive immigration reform.

Clinton also conceded that she didn't handle the immigration issue well in last week's debate. When a supporter said car accidents involving illegal immigrants without drivers' licenses are a bane, the New York senator replied "That was a good answer."

Clinton was also widely criticized after a televised debate last week when she hedged an answer on whether she supported granting licenses to illegal immigrants. Clinton said she understood why governors are forced to take such steps but said she didn't necessarily agree with the policy.

She has struggled since then to clarify her stance.

During two eastern Iowa stops, Clinton argued in favor of immigration reform that gives illegal immigrants a path toward citizenship that includes penalties, a clean legal record and several years of waiting.