Mitt Romney talks tough on illegal immigration

SALEM, N.H., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney called for tough measures to stop illegal immigration, saying "illegal immigration burdens us."

Romney, speaking at a town hall meeting in Salem, N.H., Monday, said he supports a border fence, English immersion in schools, a crackdown on employers of illegal immigrants and denying welfare benefits to illegal immigrants, The Boston Globe reported.

"Illegal immigration burdens us and is a threat to legal immigration," the former Massachusetts governor said. "The president has a responsibility for securing the border and carrying out the law. Those who have come here illegally, we have to stop that."

Romney also said he opposes giving children of illegal immigrants in-state tuition but did not mention Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Romney has criticized Perry for signing a Texas bill giving children of illegal immigrants in-state tuition.

"If we've got enough money to give credits to people for going to college, let those credits go to American citizens," Romney said.

Romney noted that as Massachusetts governor, he brought English immersion to replace bilingual education in schools.

He reiterated his past stands on building a border fence, while targeting sanctuary cities and employers who hire illegal immigrants.

Romney said it wouldn't be difficult to establish a system providing a card anyone in the country legally can show an employer, and employers could be fined for hiring someone without a card.

"If people can't get work here, they won't want to be here," he said.