Utterly disgusting': Rick Santorum slammed for response to mechanical engineer DREAMer

Former Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Rick Santorum drew the wrath of Republicans and Democrats alike after he suggested a mechanical engineer and DREAMer should leave the country.

During Van Jones' CNN special "The Messy Truth" Tuesday night, Elizabeth Vilchis described how she was brought to the U.S. at just 7 years old without realizing that it was not legal. She said that as she grew up, she decided to be "part of the solution" and pursue a STEM career.

"I actually earned a degree in mechanical engineering, I have a career in the technology sector, and I have spent almost a decade working with students, getting them to focus on getting careers in engineering," Vilchis said.

She continued:

I stand to lose all the work that I've done if the new administration decides to end DACA, which is a program that allows undocumented individuals, like myself, to have the ability to work. It's not an immigration status; it's just the ability to work.

My career will come to an end if that program ends, and I will also potentially be labeled for deportation, which means that I am going to be removed from the communities that I've contributed so much.

Worried about her future, Vilchis asked for "advice" for what she could do.

Santorum immediately launched into his family's story of how his father immigrated to the U.S. from Italy — also when he was 7 years old. However, Santorum said, his father said coming to the U.S. was "worth doing it the right way."

"You have the ability to go to any other country right now and apply those wares and be successful and then reapply to come back to America if you so choose," Santorum said, eliciting a reaction from the audience.

CNN commentator and Republican strategist Ana Navarro, who shared the stage with Santorum, jumped in to offer Vilchis a different perspective.

"First of all, this is your country. No matter what he says, no matter what anybody else says," Navarro said, pointing to Santorum. "This is your country, and I, as an American, thank you for the contributions you are making to our joint country. I want you here."

While Navarro spoke, Santorum interrupted with, "That's not what the law says."

Santorum's response to Vilchis was eviscerated on social media.

(H/T: Raw Story)