Republican candidate Mike Huckabee recently proposed banning immigrants from countries harboring or sponsoring terrorists.

This Wednesday, Huckabee changed his mind. In response to voter feedback and competition, he now recommends that instead of totally banning immigrants from certain countries, a re-assessment of  immigration policies should be enforced.

Huckabee used 9/11 to prove his first stringent stance. Most hijackers during the terrorist attack had entered the US legally (forged passport or not). He believes that by closing the door to certain countries around the world, terrorists will be punished and the US adequately protected.

However, thousands of people fleeing hot spots for terrorism around the world will be the main victims. These immigrants are often asking for protection from their own governments or terrorist groups in their country. Many want to protect their families from the impossible living conditions of their own countries and offer their children education and a regular childhood. It seems that innocent civilians – forcibly assimilated as terrorists – will be paying a huge price.

Others point out that immigrants – from countries all around the world including those who are listed as harboring terrorists – bring useful skill, manpower and money to their country. Business owners in the US have been arguing that immigrants fill a gap most Americans can’t: they work for cheap and/or they bring new and diverse businesses to slowly evaporating towns. By settling in rural areas, they’re re-stimulating the American economy.

Huckabee also proposed closing the US-Mexico border and enforcing stronger security and more patrols. He wants illegal immigrants to return home and apply for immigration status from their original countries.