Conservative pundit George Will said that Republicans need to stop pushing to deport the influx of undocumented minors crossing the border into the U.S., and instead welcome them with open arms.

During a "Fox News Sunday" panel discussion, columnist Kirsten Powers criticized the GOP for only pushing to deport child immigrants and not calling for comprehensive immigration reform. And Will agreed that Republicans need to change their message.

"I think Kirsten is largely right. My view is that we have to say to the children, 'Welcome to America. You're going to go to school and get a job and become Americans,'" he said.

"We have 3,141 counties in this country. That would be 20 per county. The idea that we can't assimilate these 8-year-old criminals with their teddy bears is preposterous," he continued, mocking Republicans for warning that many of the young immigrants are dangerous.

Host Chris Wallace seemed surprised by Will's take, though the conservative columnist has called for immigration reform before. Wallace asked Will what he would say to someone who feels the U.S. should not have to take care of Central America's problems.

"We can handle this problem, is what I’m saying," Will responded, adding that the U.S. has accepted larger waves of immigrants before.