McCain Switches Gears on Immigration Supports crackdown without guest workers, path to citizenship By Peter Fearon Posted Aug 3, 2007 5:43 AM CDT Copied Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks at Stanford University, Wednesday Aug. 1, 2007 in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/George Nikitin) (Associated Press) White House hopeful John McCain has pulled a U-turn on immigration reform—backing a new bill which cracks down on illegal immigration and offers no path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already here. McCain had been a champion of a guest worker program and citizenship for many of the 12 million illegal residents, but that position, anathema to the GOP base, alienated campaign donors. "We can still show the American people that we are serious about securing our nation's border," said McCain, adding that a tough, scaled-down immigration bill is "an essential step" toward future reform. "He recognizes his position on the issue is killing him," one conservative noted. Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error