{mosads}Bachmann said deporting those convicted of crimes would be the first step.

She also said that while she hadn’t seen any polls detailing her level of support among Hispanic voters, she believes they are seeking the same answers from government as everyone else: a chance to pursue a prosperous life.

That doesn’t include extending government benefits such as in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, Bachmann contended, this time pushing back on another of her competitors, Gov. Rick Perry, who has upheld that policy in Texas.

“When we give the welfare state, then people won’t be able to come out of it. It’s the biggest trap that people can have,” she said.