For those who have come here illegally, they might have a transition time to allow them to set their affairs in order. And then go back home and get in line with everybody else. And if they get in line and they apply to become a citizen and get a green card, they will be treated like everybody else.

In this quote, Mitt Romney, a U.S. politician, discusses his perspective on how to handle individuals who have entered the country illegally. He suggests that those individuals should be given a transition time to set their affairs in order, which implies allowing them some period to adjust and organize their lives before being required to return to their home country. The idea is that, after this time, they should follow the legal process of immigration by getting in line with others who are applying to become citizens.

Romney’s statement advocates for a process of compliance with the law, where individuals who are in the country illegally are expected to return to their country and apply through the appropriate channels for legal citizenship. He emphasizes that if they go through the process—such as applying for a green card—they will be treated equally, just like all other immigrants who follow the legal steps to become U.S. citizens. This highlights the idea of fairness in the immigration system, where everyone is expected to follow the same rules.

The quote touches on the broader debate about immigration reform, especially regarding those who have entered the country illegally but have established lives in the U.S. Romney acknowledges the complexities of this issue but insists on the necessity of a system that requires individuals to adhere to the established legal processes for becoming a permanent resident. His suggestion of a transition period reflects a more moderate stance, offering a pathway for individuals to come into legal compliance without immediate, harsh consequences.

Ultimately, Romney's quote emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to immigration—one that offers a chance for illegal immigrants to normalize their status through legal means while ensuring that the process is fair and consistent for all. It reflects his belief in the importance of lawfulness and equal treatment within the immigration system, advocating for a clear pathway to citizenship while reinforcing the idea that everyone must follow the same procedures.