Reaction among Arizona Democrats to the Biden Immigration Executive Order denying asylum seekers access if they enter the United States illegally has been mixed.
In a press release announcing her firm opposition to MAGA Republicans in the State House putting the overreaching HCR 2060 on the ballot this November, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs appeared to support the order while blasting MAGA Republicans for their obstruction, stating:
“While I continue to prioritize public safety and make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our communities safe, Arizona cannot continue cleaning up the federal government’s mess. Today’s Executive Order announced by the Biden Administration is a critical tool for curbing unlawful entry and upholding humanitarian protections. However, we need comprehensive solutions and congressional support to secure our border.
“Congress must do its job. Our border patrol agents, immigration judges, and support services need more resources to manage this crisis effectively. The bipartisan border agreement reached earlier this year provided a clear path forward with critical reforms and investments. Yet, partisan politics have derailed these necessary measures. Congress must put aside partisan politics and prioritize the safety and security of our nation. Congress needs to do its job and deliver the comprehensive immigration reform that our country desperately needs.”
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, who attended the White House Ceremony announcing the Executive Order, wrote in a favorable statement that came out before the event:
“President Biden’s plan is a welcome action that will help address urgent needs at the border. In Arizona, where Border Patrol agents and nonprofits are often overwhelmed by daily migrant crossings, this new effort will support their crucial work and help relieve border communities from the burden of our broken immigration system.
“But make no mistake—this is only necessary because Congress has failed to do its duty to help fix the border and there is no substitute for that. The Senate has twice had the opportunity to take up an agreement negotiated by Republicans and Democrats to invest in more Border Patrol agents, technology and personnel to stop fentanyl, officers to quickly screen asylum claims, and other lasting solutions, but both times my Republican colleagues walked away.
“Today is a step forward for the federal government to better support Arizona and I’ll keep working with anyone to fix our border and our broken immigration system.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero sounded a more saddened perspective, posting on social media:
“The executive action today is a departure from the more humane and just approach we have become accustomed to from President Biden. Republicans in the House killed a bipartisan border deal last February because they were unwilling to stand up to Donald Trump and his racist, cruel border policies. Rather than appeasing these same Republicans who continue to perpetuate harmful, false stereotypes in our nation’s capital and right here in Arizona, we need more resources in our border communities, the expansion of legal pathways, and more options for timely work permits. There is not an “invasion” at our border. The majority of people attempting to enter the United States through the Tucson Sector are families in search of safety and a better life. I urge the President to use his executive authority to provide needed relief for American families, including Dreamers, people who have been living and working in the United States for years, care workers, and undocumented spouses of US citizens who deserve the opportunity to come out of the shadows. I am saddened today, yet, I remain steadfast in my belief that President Biden will stand by his commitment to create the safe, secure and humane border we need and deserve.”
Representative and Senate Candidate Ruben Gallego issued a supportive statement, posting:
Like Mayor Romero, Representative Raul Grijalva was not happy with the Executive Order, posting on social media:
Representative Greg Stanton, who was at the White House Ceremony with Senator Kelly, was supportive on social media, posting:
Arizona CD One Candidate Conor O’Callaghan voiced support for the President having to resort to this action in an interview with BBC News, offering:
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