The New York Times opined Thursday that Sen. Bernie Sanders has the right idea on immigration, and that most Republicans support a plan that gone "well beyond the usual nativist bigotry."

"Republican presidential candidates are arguing, in all seriousness, about sealing the border with fantastical 2,000-mile fences and weaponized drones; merging state, local and federal authorities and private prisons into one all-seeing immigration police state; forcibly registering American Muslims; mass-deporting 11 million Mexicans and others in a 21st century Trail of Tears; and turning away thousands of refugees fleeing war and terrorism in the Middle East," the Times said.

The paper cheered Sanders this week for offering a plan that "turns away from the insanity."

Sanders said he would rely on executive actions to give relief to illegal immigrants, and would push for a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants after five years. The Times said this plan "affirms the humane and sensible principle" that those illegally in the U.S. should "stay and contribute."

Sanders also said he would try to boost federal border agents, in exchange for pulling state and local police off the mission of enforcing federal laws.

The Times supported Sanders' call to support sanctuary cities, which the paper said "protect public safety" by "building trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement." Many Republicans and even some Democrats have said San Francisco's sanctuary city policy led to the death of Kate Steinle, when a formerly deported immigrant shot and killed her this year.

The editorial concluded by saying GOP candidates are "filling the air with lies and irrational promises" to get elected.