DALTON, Ga. – Former U.S. representative and gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal slammed his opponent’s stance on illegal immigration while speaking in Dalton, a city that has seen a rapid increase in immigrant workers over the last 20 years.
While on a North Georgia tour Tuesday, Deal cited a 2001 newspaper article in which then-Gov. Barnes said former Mexican President Vicente Fox and then-President George W. Bush should restart immigration talks about possible citizenship for some illegal immigrant workers.
“Roy Barnes has a proven track record of promoting services for illegal aliens such as welfare programs, tuition assistance and even driver’s licenses,” Deal said while speaking at Dalton City Hall.
Dalton has about 40 percent Hispanic residents, according to the latest census figures.
“Only now is Mr. Barnes changing his tune after reading the tea leaves,” Deal said, citing a recent Mason-Dixon poll that showed 67 percent of Georgians support legislation that would bar children of illegal immigrants from attending state universities and colleges even if they pay out-of-state tuition.