Fred DuVal Releases His Plan to Fight Border Crime and Fix Broken Immigration System

Democratic candidate for governor Fred DuVal today issued a statement to Congress on its failure to address border security: “Get back to work!”

I am sure that most Americans share DuVal’s frustration with Congress, there’s just one problem with his plea to “Get back to work!” Congress’ August Recess Is America’s Only Required Vacation:

The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 requires that the House and Senate take a break “not later than July 31 of each year,” or in an odd-numbered year “that Friday in August which occurs at least thirty days before the first Monday in September (Labor Day) of such year to the second day after Labor Day.” Congress can stay if the country is in a state of war, but that hasn’t happened since 1941. (Lawmakers can come back early if both houses agree to it.)

Fred DuVal also released his Plan to Fight Border Crime and Fix Broken Immigration System, Twenty-One Actions in Twenty-One Weeks:

Fighting Border Crime and Fixing Our Broken Immigration System

Twenty-One Actions in Twenty-One Weeks

FIGHTING BORDER CRIME

CRACK DOWN ON DRUGS AND ORGANIZED CRIME

1) I will crack down on the greedy smugglers and coyotes that profit from unlawful immigration. I will direct the Arizona Departments of Public Safety and Homeland Security to swiftly launch anti-smuggling operations in collaboration with federal and local law enforcement.

2) I will ensure that drug cartels and organized crime know that if they come to Arizona, they will be caught. The multi-jurisdictional task forces going after these criminals deserve a greater share of the proceeds from drug and cash seizures so they are fully equipped, and I will fight for this.

3) The Arizona National Guard has long been a part of multi-jurisdictional counter-drug operations.  I will find the resources to ensure a strengthened role for the National Guard in targeted law enforcement operations.

4) I will spearhead relationships with banks and financial institutions in Arizona to prevent, detect, and prosecute drug cartel and money laundering schemes. The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions will lead this effort and report directly to me on results.

HOLD EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ROLE IN THE PROBLEM

5) I will make Arizona’s employer sanctions statute a hammer that works against employers evading our laws, not just a photo op for arresting dishwashers and landscapers. Since the bipartisan law was passed in 2006, only three employers have been prosecuted. There’s no excuse for failing to enforce this law.

6) I will require every single CEO who receives a contract or grant from the State of Arizona to file a signed, sworn certification that they use E-Verify, a national immigration status check, for all of their hires, and mandate proof of enrollment in the program. If they can’t prove they’re doing their part, the State shouldn’t do business with them.

DEMAND THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS ACCOUNTABLE TO ARIZONA

7) I will demand, day after day, that the Federal Government address the needs of Arizona. They were clearly unprepared for the spike of human smuggling in recent months and they failed to communicate with state leaders at a time when it was most critical. During a crisis is when I will demand they be most effective, not least.

8) I will issue a report card twice a year on how responsive the Federal Government is being to Arizona so our citizens know if our borders and ports of entry are being strengthened with enough manpower and technology.

9) I will insist that the Federal Government reimburse Arizona and its local governments for all costs related to our border and drug cartel task forces, anti-smuggling and trafficking operations, and binational border security initiatives.

LAUNCH BINATIONAL ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVES

10) I will build new border security operations with leaders along our southern border. Combining our resources and sharing information make our individual efforts stronger.

11) I will work with officials in Sonora to identify locations on the Mexican side of the border to safely and humanely shelter unaccompanied children so that Mexico shares in the responsibility and the solution.

12) I will push Mexico to shut down “The Beast,” the cross-country train used by thousands of migrants, where they are preyed upon and subject to death, violence, and sexual assault.

13) I will ensure that state and local governments on both sides of the border are working side-by-side to promote legal cross-border trade, while keeping out contraband, such as weapons and illicit and counterfeit prescription drugs.

FIXING OUR BROKEN IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

STRENGTHEN ARIZONA’S ECONOMY WITH LEGAL IMMIGRATION BENEFITS

14) I will urge Congress to expand visas for high-skilled workers, especially those that have been educated here in American colleges and universities.

15) I will help lead efforts to create a guest worker program that meets the needs of seasonal employment sectors, while protecting worker rights and without disadvantaging American workers.

16) I will empower Arizona Dreamers – young promising immigrants who arrived here before 2012, have stayed in school, and earned legal work authorization under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program – to obtain drivers’ licenses so they can contribute to our economy.

RECOGNIZE THAT CHILDREN ARE CHILDREN

17) I will demand that resources are in place from the federal government to make sure that children who are in the worst situations triggering asylum or human trafficking protections are identified as quickly as possible, and those who are not eligible are treated humanely and returned home.

18) I will ensure that Arizona is communicating with Central American countries to make clear to young people the dangers of unsafe border crossings. I will make this the focus of the first Border Governors Conference when I am Governor.

19) I will encourage Arizona churches and non-profits to help unaccompanied minors with basic needs while they are in local detention centers and shelters.

DRIVE SUPPORT FOR THE MCCAIN/FLAKE COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION

20) I will rally business, faith, and community leaders to help pass a bipartisan immigration bill sponsored by our own Senators McCain and Flake that would deploy nearly 40,000 border patrol agents and advanced security technology, while allowing legal status for qualified immigrants who pass background checks, learn English and pay fines and back taxes.

21) I will call for a coordinated effort between business, faith, and community leaders to ensure that Arizona is prepared for passage of the McCain/Flake immigration bill, and ensure that Arizona law enforcement is embedded in the border security initiatives that the legislation provides.