South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham says Republicans in Congress should work with Democrats to overhaul the immigration system, noting that American businesses need legal workers.
Graham told an agricultural policy forum in Des Moines that a "practical solution" on immigration was needed. He said he favored letting some immigrants living in the country illegally stay in the country, if they met certain conditions, like learning English and paying taxes.
Graham was part of the bipartisan, so-called Gang of Eight senators who crafted immigration legislation that eventually offered citizenship for immigrants. It passed the Senate in 2013, but died in the House.
Graham was one of eight potential 2016 presidential candidates at the forum. Others included former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.