Romney Outlines Tougher Immigration Stand in Direct Mail Piece

Mitt Romney doesn't mince words when it comes to immigration.

The former Massachusetts governor values legal immigration, but wants to curb illegal immigration in the country, according to a spokesman for his campaign.

In Columbia, residents have received direct mail pieces outlining Romney's stance on illegal immigration, a subject that has been a big issue for South Carolina.

Did you receive one of the mailings? If so, email us at carolyn.smith@patch.com.

Last year, the state said it had to write its own immigration laws because the federal government had failed to take action against the flow of illegal immigrants into the country. On Dec. 23, a federal judge blocked portions of the law, saying it conflicted with federal laws.

In the one-page flyer that is expected to be mailed out statewide, Romney details his plans to stop illegal immigration, according to Ryan Williams, a spokesperson for the Romney campaign.

"The mailer talks about putting an end to magnets or benefits that illegal immigrants have, ensuring a tamper-proof system that allows employers to check the status of their employees and creating a strong border fence," Williams said.

Time and time again, Williams said that voters have brought attention to the very serious problem of illegal immigration in the United State.

"The Obama administration is opposed to common sense immigration laws," Williams said. "With Romney's plan there would be no magnets, no jobs, no holes in the borders."

Williams said right now it is easy for illegal immigrants to come in to the country and also for them to find jobs and to support their families, even though federal law prohibits the employment of undocumented workers. 

"Employers need an easier way to check who is legal and who is not," Williams said.

Romney's plan also address the need to enforce the law with employers who knowingly hire illegals.

On Saturday in LeMars, Iowa, Romney said he would veto the Dream Act, a bill that would provide legal status to some undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children, according to a Huffington Post article.

Several media reports said his statements have drawn criticism from immigration advocates. A Capitol Hill blog said his remarks could disqualify him in the minds of many Latino voters.

Thanks to Palmetto Public Record for sharing its image of the mailer with us.