http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110606/...ation_reform_1

After taking a look at the Democrats' stances on immigration reform, it is time to peek across the aisle. Even though the electorate is generally more concerned with jobs and social security, immigration will factor into the 2012 campaign -- in part, simply because a segment of the Democratic constituency expects it. Where do Republicans stand on the issue?

* "We will examine current education programs to make sure they are operating efficiently. We will also examine current visa and immigration laws to make sure we attract and retain the best and brightest minds from around the world." -- House Speaker John Boehner, unveiling the "Priorities for the 11th Congress" in June.

* "President Obama's immigration speech today was driven by politics and politics alone. Instead of real solutions and reforms, the president offered finger-pointing and spin." -- Rep. Ben Quayle, R-Ariz., on May 10, responding to President Obama's border speech in El Paso, Texas.

* "During the president's first visit to our nation's southern border, we hope he will finally see first-hand the continued security challenges facing all of those who live along our southwest border. We hear from our constituents on a daily basis, and, while some progress has been made in some areas, they do not believe the border is secure. In fact, a recent GAO report confirmed that the Border Patrol has operational control of only 44 percent of the southwest border." -- Joint statement by Arizona Republican Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl (also in response to the president's border speech).

* "There's a frustration with the tone of some Republicans. Not all, by any means. A lot of people have learned a lot about how to talk about this issue. There are still some elements of the Republican Party who can't seem to talk about immigration policy without being very offensive." -- Republican pollster Whit Ayres on May 10, in an interview.

* "I believe we can do it by 2012, if we're smart and we address the big elephant in the room, and that is that our borders are broken." -- Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on April 28, 2010, in the wake of the Arizona anti-illegal-immigration law.

* "People are frustrated because they believe that the federal government, the immigration people have not enforced the laws. We have 12, 15 million illegal immigrants in this country. You say why? I think that begets what's going on in Arizona." -- Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., in an April 2010 appearance on "Meet the Press."

Sylvia Cochran offers an insider's perspective of the American immigration system. Having gone through the steps of becoming a citizen -- and currently living in a border state -- she brings hands-on familiarity with hot-button issues to the table.