A former housekeeper for Meg Whitman has claimed the California Republican gubernatorial candidate was notified by the US government seven years ago that she might be in America illegally, but did nothing about it.
Whitman has forcefully denied the allegation, saying she never received such notification.
The allegation could damage Whitman's campaign, as the issue of illegal immigration in raging in the United States, especially in southwest states bordering Mexico. Many conservatives and Republicans are backing tough legal crackdowns on illegal immigration.
The allegations were made by the housekeeper, Nicky Diaz, and her attorney, Gloria Allred of Los Angeles, a longtime Democratic supporter who once gave money to Whitman's opponent, Democrat Jerry Brown.
AP