No, but he was the worst candidate. As someone who has many Hispanics in my family, I am very hurt he mentioned self deportation.
In 2007, twice as many illegals self-deported as were deported by the Gov't because of the declining economy. I think it is safe to say that a few hundred thousand did so in 2009 and 2010.
Self-deportation has nothing to do with hating hispanics. It is a decision made by the illegal when facing a certain environment in terms of jobs, enforcement and other sustaining factors both legal and illegal. It is already happening as it is (see above), hence why when Romney was asked what would happen to the illegal aliens if not legalized he said, "self-deportation". It is not a policy choice but a result of a set of actions (one that is happening now and more so under Obama then Bush), nor or is it a desirable circumstance, but it is the natural consequence of perpetuating a constant illegal presence. Romney would have ended that or at least tried.
Romney would have been better giving some drawn out response that didn't stick as opposed to a phrase like that, but at the end of the day if you don't legalize every last illegal upon entry it is unavoidable. Essentially, self-deportation is an unavoidable reality unless one were to come out and advocate for unlimited immigration with no restrictions or requirements ( We can sustain a good deal of immigration, but everyone has limits and we are no exception on that score). Otherwise there will always be an illegal population (in fact the more times you legalize those here, the more there will be the next time) and thus to the extent that enforcement of the workplace is done or the economy takes a hit, it will occur.
Self-deportation is just as much a cylical reality as the next wave is and it is precisely because we have pursued a policy of cyclical amnesty. It is the present status quo, just as much as bills like the Senate's (and others containing mass legalization) are by virtue of the facilitation of such. If one wants to change the status quo on immigration, the only way is through something like what Romney was supporting. Enforcement of the work place and no legalization, but pro-legal immigration (and at increased levels mind you).
