Ben Carson: Curtail Illegal Immigration by Cutting All Benefits That Attract It

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson said he would cut down on illegal immigration across the U.S.-Mexico border by cutting all benefits that he says attracts illegal immigration.

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks at a news conference Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Henderson, Nevada. (AP Photo/John Locher)

The comments came during a press availability Sunday after he and his wife spent the day campaigning in southern Nevada. He spoke at an evangelical church service in Las Vegas and then at an afternoon rally in nearby Henderson.

The retired neurosurgeon said it could be done easily in a year and suggested prosecuting all first-time offenders, installing a double fence and using technology-driven surveillance to cut down sharply on the percentage of illegal crossings.

Those in the U.S. without problems with their stay here would be given a six-month period to register and pay a tax penalty. They would have to pay taxes going forward by taking jobs as guest workers, but would not get citizenship and voting rights.