[Kegger]

Wasn't he at one time for a form of amnesty (before changing his mind)?

No.

However, Palin does support a form a amnesty, as does Huckabee.

My mistake. Guess I did not understand the Pence-Hutchison Plan from a while back.

... Under the Pence-Hutchison plan, foreign workers will initially be granted two-year work visas, automatically renewable for an additional 12 years. Then the foreign worker is given an "X-Change" visa, newly created by the legislation. After five years, the "X-Change" visa will allow the worker to transition to permanent resident status (a green card holder). Permanent residents are entitled to citizenship after five years. Because "temporary" workers will have the right to bring their families, the right to stay and work for 17 years and then the right to stay permanently, the vast majority will certainly do so...

[FTJM]

Both bills required border security but Pence's original bill in the House was stricter on the length of stay for work permits, 6 years, and assuming that immigration quotas stayed the same, would have resulted in a phased deportation over a period of years. It required all illegals to leave the country and apply.

The compromise bill required all illegals to go home but allowed for more time for 2 year renewable work visas, up to 12 years, and ultimately obtain an employer sponsored visa similar to current ones.

[FTJM]

The compromise bill was lighter but Pence has been consistent that illegals must return home.