Walker Position on Immigration Becomes Increasingly Unclear

Where does Scott Walker stand on the thorny subjects of immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship? Well, it's increasingly difficult to tell.

Governor Scott Walker (R-WS) speaks at a Republican organizing meeting in Concord, New Hampshire, March 14, 2015. REUTERS/Dominick Reuter (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)DOMINICK REUTER / Reuters
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Where does Scott Walker stand on the thorny subjects of immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship?

Well, it's increasingly difficult to tell -- especially after the Wall Street Journal today reported that, according to three people present, he told a March 13 private dinner of New Hampshire Republicans that he favored a way for undocumented immigrants to obtain citizenship.

Scott Walker's Shifting Positions Move Him Further Right

That's at odds with a March 1 interview, where he clearly stated he no longer supports immigration reform. "My views have changed," he told Fox News' Chris Wallace. "I'm flat-out saying it.

Here's a look at how Walker's views have changed on the subject:

2006: Signed a resolution calling on Congress to pass the McCain-Kennedy comprehensive immigration-reform legislation, which opponents referred to as "amnesty."

2013: In an interview with Wausau Daily Herald's editorial board, appeared to endorse a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

DAILY HERALD: Can you envision a world where, with the right penalties and waiting periods and meet the requirements, where those people could get citizenship?

WALKER: Sure. Yeah. I mean, I think it makes sense.

March 1, 2015: Told Fox News his views have changed on citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

WALLACE: But it's a little bit slippery here. Back when you were the Milwaukee County executive, you actually supported the Kennedy-McCain comprehensive immigration plan.

Are you basically saying as part of a comprehensive plan, tough enforcement, E-Verify, the 11 million people already here paid penalty, they get citizenship?

WALKER: No, I'm not talking about amnesty. And even I said the reason for that is over time --

WALLACE: But you said you supported it.

WALKER: And my view has changed. I'm flat out saying it...

WALLACE: So, you've changed from 2013?

WALKER: Absolutely.

March 13, 2015: Told New Hampshire Republicans that he could support a pathway to citizenship, per the Wall Street Journal.

"Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker told a private dinner of New Hampshire Republicans this month that he backed the idea of allowing undocumented immigrants to stay in the country and to eventually become eligible for citizenship, a position at odds with his previous public statements on the matter. Mr. Walker's remarks, which were confirmed by three people present and haven't been reported previously, vary from the call he has made in recent weeks for 'no amnesty'—a phrase widely employed by people who believe immigrants who broke the law by entering the country without permission shouldn't be awarded legal status or citizenship."

March 26, 2015: Now the Walker campaign is denying the Wall Street Journal piece. “We strongly dispute this account,” Walker spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski said in a statement. “Governor Walker has been very clear that he does not support amnesty and believes that border security must be established and the rule of law must be followed. His position has not changed, he does not support citizenship for illegal immigrants, and this story is false.”