Marco Rubio: My Immigration Reform Plan PREVENTS Amnesty

National Review's published an interview with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., on hisnewfoundrole as spearheader of federal immigration reform.

Robert Costa suggests that one reason Rubio's ideas are receiving such warm reception among the conservative base is the junior Florida senator's ability to articulate his plan in terms of preventing amnesty.

What we have now is de facto amnesty, Rubio tells Costa. We have to find a way to solve that problem. We also have 11 million people who we have to deal with responsibly, but with compassion. They are going to be here for the rest of their lives, not paying taxes, unless we deal with this issue. I want to deal with this issue so we dont have to deal with it again. Thats our obligation.

Rubio's proposed reforms, which include a back-of-the-line path to citizenship, "background checks, hefty fines, and enacting stricter requirements for employers," would come into effect after certain border-protections "trigger" them.

Check out the entire piece: "Marco Rubio's Charm Offensive."