not we would build the fence along our southern border. If we pursue this path toward amnesty, it?s a disaster for the country. McCAIN: I have never supported amnesty and never would. But the American people expect us to sit down and work this issue out together. That?s what I?ve been doing for a couple of years now. We are very close to an agreement, led by our president and his Cabinet, that will first secure our borders. Then we would have a temporary worker program that could only be valid through a tamper-proof biometric document. And then we would address the issue of the 12 million people who are already here. ROMNEY: The key part of what I objected to in McCain-Kennedy is that they should not get any advantage by having come here illegally. Bipartisanship shows preparedness for presidency Q: Immigration reform is a signature issue for you. But now you?re reported as ?largely absent from this year?s negotiations.? A: Actually, I?m on constant contact on this issue. I think we are close to an agreement. Q: Some pundits say your identification with Sen. Kennedy on the immigration issue has accounted for your political problems with conservatives. A: I?m proud of the bipartisan effort that I?ve made on many issues with Democrats & Republicans, ranging from Joe Lieberman on 9/11 to working on the other side of the aisle on immigration reform and others. And that?s why I think I?m prepared to be president of the US. The