McCain says he's more compassionate than people wanting mass illegal immigrant deportation

Posted: Nov 28, 2007 12:44 PM PST


CLEMSON, SC (AP) - Illegal immigration is the question that keeps nagging presidential hopeful John McCain during his visit to South Carolina.

During an appearance at Clemson University Wednesday, a student described himself as a child of legal immigrants and asked McCain if he favored massive deportation for those in the nation illegally.

McCain says the public wouldn't bite on any overhaul until the nation's borders are secure. And he says there's no easy way to deal with a projected 12 million illegal immigrants in the country already.

That wasn't good enough for the student, who told McCain that his parents waited in line. He wanted punishment.

McCain says he's not in favor of deporting everyone here illegally. McCain says he's more compassionate, giving the example of an 80-year-old woman with grandchildren serving in Iraq.

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