While governor, Huckabee gained favor with Hispanic leaders by denouncing a high-profile federal immigration raid and suggesting some anti-illegal immigration measures were driven by racism. He advocated making children of illegal immigrants eligible for college scholarships.The same year Huckabee backed the scholarship provision, he criticized the federal government for a raid on an Arkadelphia poultry plant.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents arrested 119 illegal workers in the raid at a Petit Jean poultry plant, sending 107 out of the country either voluntarily or through deportation.
Huckabee also opposed a GOP lawmaker's efforts in 2005 to require proof of legal status when applying for state services that aren't federally mandated and proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Huckabee derided the bill as un-American and un-Christian, saying the sponsor -- former state Sen. Jim Holt -- drank a different "Jesus juice."
Huckabee promotes 'open door' policy at LULAC convention
Huckabee Was Instrumental In Bringing Mexican Consulate To Little Rock At Tax Payer Expense
Romney is poor on immigration too. If you were saying to vote for Hunter or Tancredo, I might be interested, but Hunter supports Huckabee and Huckabee has the best plan now.