Here is how the 2010 Presidential candidates stand on immigration. It is pretty pathetic for most of them. I hate spineless politicians: 2012 Presidential Hopefuls' Immigration Stances.
I think Ron Paul would take a tougher stand than he lets on; mostly he does not want to offend his libertarian supporters, many of whom actually want open borders based purely on ideological reasons, not so much because they actually want more immigrants. At least Ron Paul actually expresses desire to end "birthright" citizenship. That is the real issue. The one outstanding point with Ron Paul is that he openly says what he believes, whether you completely agree with his libertarian ideology or not. If he says he wants to do something, Americans need not worry so much about whether he has some alterior agenda going. I do not think Americans can trust Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann, or Sarah Palin. They are just manipulative politicians who are under the influence of big business interests. They are just throwing around tough words to try to appease their potential conservative constituents. As soon as they get into office, they will just pretend to do something, but not actually do anything effective to solve the problem, much like many former Republican leaders. Michele Bachmann is by far the best candidate to stop illegal immigration based on what she says, but again, I do not think Americans can trust her. She is just desperate for votes and is using the strategy of trying to appeal to hardliners against immigration, since none of the other potential candidates have yet claimed this political niche. There is much to suggest she is merely being manipulative. It is hard to say what she would actually do once in office, if she would really keep her promises. Herman Cain might actually do something, because he is a true black (unlike Obama), and knows what immigration has been doing to blacks, displacing them from jobs, and causing high unemployment and homelessness. But then gain, a black president would also support more multiculturalism and "affirmative" action policies. He would also try to increase welfare and federal funding for poor schools, which are now overcrowded with hispanics and blacks. Somewhat of a trade-off. Basically none of the current potential candidates would be an ideal choice in terms of stopping illegal immigration.
"Senate candidate Rand Paul (R-Ky.) caused a stir shortly after winning his primary by saying he supported stripping citizenship from children of the undocumented." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/02/jon-kyl-repeal-14th-amendment-immigrants_n_667098.html If this is not a tough stance on immigration, I am not sure what is. Ron Paul will be running for the Republican nomination for the 2012 presidential election. http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/ron-paul-running-for-president-20110513