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During a military-themed forum on NBC News Wednesday night, the GOP presidential nominee was asked whether he believes that an undocumented person who wants to serve in the U.S. armed forces deserves to stay in the country legally.

"I think when you serve in the armed forces, that's a very special situation and I could see myself working that out, absolutely," Trump replied.

The questioner, a woman who served in the military, clarified that she meant she was referring to an illegal immigrant who plans to serve, not already serving.

"Military's a very special thing," Trump said. "If they plan on serving, if they get in, I would absolutely hold those people—"

The billionaire looked uncomfortable, and began to modulate his language, balancing the potential military service of illegal immigrants against the hardline immigration positions that have taken him so far in the race.

"Now we have to be very careful, we have to vet very carefully, everybody would agree with that," Trump said.

"But the answer is it would be a very special circumstance, yes."