http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011...?newsfeed=true
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolit...ecurity-debate
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011...l-immigration/
http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/23/politi...ion/index.html
**********************************
ETA:
As for Reagan, GWB, and McCain--the details lean more towards "helping" illegal immigrants met with certain stipulations. What Reagan signed included, perhaps rightfully so, employer restrictions on hiring illegal immigrants. Someone who is here illegally would have a more difficult time getting a job prior to their amnesty--that would hopefully keep more illegal immigrants away in addition to negatively impacting the labor market. "Help" is relative in that sense. McCain and Kennedy's 2005 bill did not make it but was used as one of the foundations for future bills. McCain has been criticized for being in denial of his views on illegal immigration--(http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jan/14/sen-mccain-and-illegal-immigration/)
I would argue that certain aspects of McCain's perspectives seem to be more about the labor market use for illegal immigrants and only second about "helping" illegal immigrants. As for GWB, his sentiment was not uncommon among Republicans (including Conservatives): Increased border patrol; don't hire illegal immigrants (*wink wink*); no amnesty; don't send them ALL back home (because some of them serve some use *wink wink*); make illegal immigrants pay their debt to OUR society and maybe we will eventually let them be seen as legal and equal contributors to OUR society (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/15/washington/15text-bush.html?pagewanted=all).
Disclaimer/
I am neither Republican nor Democrat; neither Conservative nor Liberal. I think they are all wrong and they are all right. This thread is about Republicans because this is the GOP debate and Republicans (particularly Conservatives) are the ones criticizing Gingrich.
/Disclaimer