Palin: AnnexMex now

Columbia, SC -- Former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin believes that annexing Mexico as an official self-governing, unincorporated territory of the United States will solve the country's perennial illegal immigration problem.

The outspoken Tea Party luminary made the bold statement at a "no holds barred" press conference following her public endorsement of South Carolina GOP gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley.

"It's such a simple solution, really, and to be honest, I can't believe no one has seriously considered it before," Palin said in response to a reporter's question about where she stands on the hot button issue of illegal immigration.

Citing Puerto Rico as an example, Palin said it makes sense to make Mexico an official U.S. territory as it will dissuade Mexicans from illegally sneaking into the U.S. "Mexicans are dying literally to get onto U.S. soil. If we make their country U.S. soil, then they'll stop trying because they already are on it," she said.

In addition, Palin also stressed the many benefits of having "a whole other country" added to the U.S.

"For one, we have over 100 million people to draft from should we ever need to fight another war overseas," Palin said. "We don't have to send our own kids anymore. The Mexicans can go and die for us."

The "Going Rogue" author also beamed at the thought of having unrestricted access to Mexico's natural resources and taco exports.

"Oh, I do love a good taco, especially the ones made by real Mexicans," Palin added.