(CNSNews.com) - Asked at Tuesday night's debate if he still supports a path to citizenship for illegal aliens, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said yes -- but not in so many words.
Rubio said the first step is to secure the border; the second step is to "reform and modernize the legal immigration system."
"And after we have done those two things, I think the American people are going to be reasonable with what do you do with someone who has been in this country for 10 or 12 years who hasn't otherwise violated our laws -- because if they're a criminal they can't stay.
"They'll have to undergo a background check, pay a fine, start paying taxes. And ultimately, they'll be given a work permit and that's all they're going to be allowed to have for at least 10 years. But you can't get to that third step until you have done the other two things, and that was the lesson we learned in 2013."
In 2013, Rubio was one of four Republians and four Democrats -- the so-called gang of eight -- who produced a "comprehensive" immigration reform bill that included a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million people who are in this country illegally.
Rubio on Tuesday said the American people do not trust the federal government to enforce the law, and they will not support step three until they see steps one and two accomplished first.
CNN debate moderator Dana Bash told Rubio, "You haven't answered the question. You described a very long path, but does that path end at citizenship?"
"But I've answered that question repeatedly," Rubio insisted. "I am personally open -- after all that has happened and after ten years in that probationary status where all they have is a permit, I personally am open to allowing people to apply for a green card.
"That may not be a majority position in my party, but that's down the road. You can't even begin that process until you prove to people -- not just pass a law that says you're going to bring illegal immigration under control. You're going to have to do it and prove to people that it's working.
"And that was the lesson of 2013. And it's more true today, than it was then. After a migratory crisis on the border with minors coming over that you're seeing start up again now, after all these executive orders the President has issued. More than ever we need to prove to people that illegal immigration is under control."
