Gingrich Slams Romney Over Immigration

By Danny Yadron

DORAL, Fla. — Newt Gingrich said Wednesday that Mitt Romney lacks concern for some illegal immigrants’ “humanity” and chided the former Massachusetts governor for how he makes money.

AP

Newt Gingrich speaks with Univision News anchor, Jorge Ramos at the “Meet the Candidates” forum, hosted by Univision, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Miami Dade College in Miami. ( Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)

Speaking at a GOP candidate forum put on by Univision, the Spanish-language television network, Mr. Gingrich mocked Mr. Romney for suggesting at Monday’s debate in Tampa that illegal immigrants would self-deport for their own benefit. And at the same time, he got a dig in at President Barack Obama.

“You have to live to in a world of Swiss bank accounts and Cayman Island accounts and automatic $20 million a year income for no work to have a fantasy this far from reality,” Mr. Gingrich said. “This is an Obama-level fantasy… He certainly shows no concern for the humanity of people who are already here.”

The Gingrich campaign is trying to make inroads with Miami’s large Cuban population as it tries to gain momentum in Florida. In a Spanish-language radio ad, the campaign refers to Mr. Romney as “anti-immigrant.”

Romney spokesman Ryan Williams shot back at Mr. Gingrich, saying “He is using dishonest, liberal attacks to smear Republicans.”  He called Mr. Gingrich “a failed leader who is desperately trying to prop up his sinking campaign.”
In the past, Mr. Romney has countered that he supports “legal immigration” while the former House speaker is proposing “amnesty” for  many who entered the country illegally.

Mr. Gingrich is suggesting a path to residency, not citizenship, for illegal immigrants who have been in the country for at least 20 years. Pressed by moderator Jorge Ramos about what he would do with the millions of others in the country illegally, Mr. Gingrich suggested work permits, but it was unclear who would receive them.

Mr. Romney will speak at the forum this afternoon.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/25/gingrich-slams-romney-over-immigration/?mod=WSJBlog&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wsj%2Fwashwire%2Ffeed+%28WSJ.com%3A+Washington+Wire%29