FINDLAY TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney visited Pittsburgh on Thursday and spoke about immigration, the war in Iraq and a controversial family vacation from many years ago.

Romney answered questions about a Boston Globe feature story that mentions how he strapped his dog's cage, with the animal inside, to the top of his family's car during a 12-hour road trip 24 years ago.

He said Thursday that the pet enjoyed the experience, and he took a shot at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a group that has labeled his actions as cruelty.

"You know, PETA has not been my fan over the years," Romney said. "PETA has been after me for having a rodeo at the Olympics and were very, very upset about that. PETA was after me when I went quail hunting in Georgia. And PETA is not happy that my dog likes fresh air."

Speaking about immigration, Romney said he doesn't favor deporting the estimated 12 million unlawful immigrants in the United States but said they should have to "get in line" like everyone else seeking legal residency.

Illegal immigrants "should not be given a special pathway to become citizens or permanent residents," he said.

Romney said he wasn't opposed to immigration.

"We value immigrants, but we value legal immigration," he said.

Current laws must be enforced, and there should be a reliable employment-verification system for immigrants, Romney said.

"I'm not looking to reduce the number of immigrants that come to our country or reduce the number of immigrants who are in our country," he said.

On the issue of Iraq, Romney said he respects the views of Republican senators who have called for a change in the course of the war, but "it's too early to make that call."

Romney said he wants to hear what Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, says when he reports on whether President George W. Bush's troop increase is working.

Recent polls show Romney to be a distant trailer in Pennsylvania, but he said that's because he hasn't spent much time here yet. He said he expects his popularity to improve locally as voters get to know him.

"My values are as American as you'll find anywhere," said Romney, who's looking to become the country's first Mormon president. "Fundamentally, I believe in God. I believe in the Bible. I believe Jesus Christ is my savior."

Romney's comments came during a news conference at Pittsburgh International Airport, before he attended a private fundraiser at the Duquesne Club. One of his opponents, Rudy Giuliani, had a similar event at the exclusive downtown club this week.

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