State of Arizona Archives: on Immigration

Andy Biggs: Protect innocent US citizens from violent illegal immigrants

Pass Grant's Law to protect innocent U.S. citizens from violent illegal immigrants.
• In 2015 alone, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) released nearly 20,000 criminal illegal immigrants, including those convicted of murder, sex crimes, and drunk driving. These releases can no longer be tolerated.
• Time and time again, we've seen these individuals apprehended and convicted of violent crimes, only to be let out the back door by our federal immigration enforcement agencies. This practice has resulted in the deaths of many law-abiding American citizens, including Grant Ronnebeck, an East Valley resident and store clerk, who was shot to death in a convenience by a criminal illegal immigrant who never should have been freed in the first place.
• When I am elected, I will introduce Grant's Law, to keep criminal illegal immigrants, like Grant's killer, from being released onto our streets and into our communities.

Blake Masters: Not clear we need a million new legal immigrants every year

David Garcia: Will overcome DACA repeal

David Garcia: In-state tuition and driver's licenses for DREAMers

Doug Ducey (R): No. His administration refused to grant drivers licenses to DACA recipients, but later was overruled by a federal judge.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Treat "like any other young Arizonans." Ensure "basic supports like in-state tuition or a driver's license are not obstacles to becoming the future business & civic leaders."

Deedra Abboud: Banning refugees morally unacceptable

Deedra Abboud: Protect immigrants through commonsense government reform

Arizona's history is rich with contributions from generations of immigrants who have long made Arizona their home. A legal means must be provided to recognize people brought to this country as children are not criminals and see themselves as Americans. We should develop a pathway to legal status, at a minimum for those without criminal convictions, so people living in our state are no longer hiding in the shadows.

Deedra Abboud: Rejects governments heartless immigration tactics

Deedra Abboud: Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens

A: Support

Doug Ducey: Increase the criminal penalties against human smuggling

Border security is national security, and the lack of action from D.C. puts every American at risk. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and I are teaming up to form the American Governor's Border Strike Force--a commitment between states to do what the Biden administration is unwilling to do: Patrol and secure our border.

Donald Trump: 10-point plan: wall; zero tolerance; biometrics; E-Verify

1. We will build a great wall along the southern border. And Mexico will pay for it.
2. We are going to end catch and release.
3. Zero tolerance for criminal aliens. Zero. They don't come in here. We're going to triple the number of ICE deportation officers. We're also going to hire 5,000 more Border Patrol agents.
4. Block funding for sanctuary cities. No more funds.
5. Cancel unconstitutional executive orders and enforce all immigration laws.
6. Suspend issuance of visas to any place where adequate screening cannot occur.
7. Ensure that other countries take their people back when they are deported.
8. We will finally complete the biometric entry-exit visa tracking system which we need desperately. The politicians are all talk, no action, never happens.
9. Turn off the jobs and benefits magnet. We will ensure that E-Verify is used to the fullest extent possible under existing law.
10. Reform legal immigration to serve the best interests of America and its workers.

Doug Marks: DREAMers are victims, not criminals

A: Open, Dreamers are victims not criminals

Doug Ducey: Better border security without comprehensive reform

With the vote decided, Brewer joined Ducey on the victory platform, despite having backed [Ducey's opponent] Smith, praising his candidacy in an effort to unify the party for the race ahead.

Ducey campaigned on rejuvenating the state's economy, improving education and shaking free of federal constraints. While calling for better border security, he avoided demands for comprehensive immigration reform and providing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants that might alienate some voters.

Doug Ducey: Refused to grant drivers licenses to DACA recipients

Doug Ducey (R): No. His administration refused to grant drivers licenses to DACA recipients, but later was overruled by a federal judge.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Treat "like any other young Arizonans." Ensure "basic supports like in-state tuition or a driver's license are not obstacles to becoming the future business & civic leaders."

Doug Ducey: Supports ballot initiative to ban sanctuary cities

Frank Riggs: Invest in fencing and additional border resources

Frank Riggs, Republican: The veteran and former police officer says he will also invest in fencing and providing additional resources to border sheriffs.

the heads of smugglers, providing amnesty to informants, and legalizing marijuana to reduce cartel profits.

Fred DuVal: Comprehensive immigration reform will benefit economy

Fred DuVal: Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Frank Riggs, Republican: The veteran and former police officer says he will also invest in fencing and providing additional resources to border sheriffs.

the heads of smugglers, providing amnesty to informants, and legalizing marijuana to reduce cartel profits.

Fred DuVal: End the callous ban on driver's licenses for DREAMers

A: I've been traveling around Arizona and talking with CEO's and small business owners for more than a year, and none of them understand why we're still defending a callous ban on driver's licenses for DREAMers. DREAMers are smart, talented, and driven young people, who have only known America as home. They just want the opportunity to contribute to their communities. I've been traveling around Arizona talking with CEO's and small business owners and none of them understand why Jan Brewer is still pursuing this wrongheaded policy. As governor, the very first thing I will do after taking the oath of office will be to rescind Governor Brewer's executive order and give our DREAMers the opportunity they deserve.

Gary Johnson: Would veto Arizona SB 1070 as Latino racial discrimination

The Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act (Arizona SB 1070) was the broadest and strictest anti-illegal immigration measure during 2010. Federal law requires all aliens over the age of 14 to register with the US government after 30 days, and to have registration documents in their possession at all times. The Arizona act additionally made it a state misdemeanor crime for an alien to be in Arizona without carrying the required documents, required that state law enforcement officers attempt to determine an individual's immigration status during a "lawful stop, detention or arrest", when there is reasonable suspicion that the individual is an illegal immigrant.

George W. Bush: Temporary workers ok, but no amnesty

BUSH: We're increasing the border security of the US. There ought to be a temporary worker card that allows a willing worker and a willing employer, so long as there's not an American willing to do that job, to join up. I don't believe we ought to have amnesty. I don't think we ought to reward illegal behavior. There are plenty of people standing in line to become a citizen. If they want to become a citizen, they can stand in line, too. And here is where my opponent and I differ. In September 2003, he supported amnesty for illegal aliens.

KERRY: We need a guest-worker program. We need is to crack down on illegal hiring. And thirdly, we need an earned-legalization program for people who have been here for a long time, stayed out of trouble, got a job, paid their taxes, and their kids are American. We got to start moving them toward full citizenship, out of the shadows.

Howard Dean: Concerned about immigrants dying in desert crossings

Jan Brewer: Feds refuse to pay for costs of illegal immigration

The federal government is also failing to control our southern border and refusing to pay for its failure. As you know, I have ordered the Arizona Department of Corrections to return to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--as soon as possible--all non-violent criminal aliens for immediate deportation as allowed under existing law.

The cost of incarcerating these criminal aliens is not Arizona's responsibility. It is Washington's legal and moral obligation. This is both insult and injury to Arizona taxpayers. Enough is enough. Secure our border.

Jan Brewer: Supreme Court ok's immigration status checks

Critics of the legislation say it encourages racial profiling, while supporters say the law prohibits the use of race as the sole basis for investigating immigration status.

The Act was signed into law by Gov. Brewer in April 2010. A federal judge blocked the law's most controversial provisions. In June 2012, the Supreme Court upheld the provision requiring immigration status checks during law enforcement stops but struck down three other provisions.

Janet Napolitano: Keep up intense pressure on border criminals

We have to keep up this intense pressure on the border criminals who use violence and fraud to smuggle people and drugs into our country. This effort includes a bill I am presenting to you today that goes after those criminals by broadening the human trafficking laws we use to crack down on those who smuggle people across the border.

Jeff Flake: Secure the border; then comprehensive reform

A: We have to have comprehensive reform. But those of us who have pursued it have realized that that is a dead-end. We have beat our heads against the wall for a long time. And until we have a more secure border, nobody's going to trust the federal government to move on with the other elements of comprehensive reform.

Q: What about opposition among many Latinos to S.B. 1070?

A: Well, one thing I can tell you is Arizonans are incensed when the president tries to sue the state for trying to do the job that the federal government just won't do. But it's not just rounding up those who are illegal that's the issue; that hasn't been the problem. It's what do you do when you've got them. What do you do to have a humane but effective policy to adjudicate the cases that are already here. And that's the bigger issue.

Jeff Flake: SB1070 was imprudent & unconstitutional, but let it stand

A: Well, I was at the federal level when it was passed here. And I made comments when it was initially passed--the first version that they put out had some language that could be construed as unconstitutional, certainly. And I said at that time that that was imprudent. And then, the legislature went back in and removed that offending provision. But I've just never been able to get excited about SB 1070, because I've known that that hasn't been the issue. We're able to find those who are here illegally easily enough. It's, what do you do when you've got them?

Q: What action should the Supreme Court take on S.B. 1070?

A: I hope they let it stand. I think all Arizonans are incensed when the federal government tries to sue the state for doing what they simply failed to do. So, I hope they let it stand, but when they do, they'll quickly realize that that was not the issue. The bigger issue is what do you do with a population that's already here?

Jeff Flake: Replicate operational security from Yuma Sector

A: On the border, we have now--and have had for a couple of years--operational security in the Yuma Sector. If we can just get the Tucson Sector to look like the Yuma Sector, then we have some political space where people will say, alright, let's solve the other attendant issue--employer-enforcement issues, some mechanism to deal with those who are here illegally now, some robust temporary-worker plan that can account for the labor needs we have, particularly in the ag sector, and then some way to deal with those issues like kids who were brought here when they were 2 years old and can't finish school. Those are all issues we're going to have to deal with. But I can tell you, it's a dead end until we can get better border security. Until then, we're just not going to get there.

Q: What does "there" look like?

A: It looks like the Yuma Sector. If somebody crosses illegally, we have a reasonable expectation of catching them.

Jeff Flake: Revamp guest-worker programs; it fails our needs

Carmona said comprehensive immigration reform should include visas, day-worker programs "that don't impede commerce but actually enhance commerce." They both agreed that border security needs to be stepped up..

Jeff Flake: Was part of bipartisan Gang of Eight on immigration reform

Jim Huffman: More resources focused on securing our borders

Jim Lamon: United States should not accept Afghan refugees

Jim Lamon: Rescind all Chinese Visas, end birthright citizenship

I will work to achieve three major objectives in the US Senate regarding Border Control:
1. Stop the inflow of illegal immigrants:
   • Enforce the Remain in Mexico Policy
   • Finish the Wall
   • Enforce mandatory E-Verify, including penalties (fines & jail) for repeat corporate offenders
   • End Sanctuary Cities
2. Resolve the issue of illegal residents:
   • Zero taxpayer benefits
   • Immediate deportation for anyone engaging in criminal acts
   • ICE removal of criminals and gang members (jail for anyone that recrosses the US border)
   • Removal of persons overstaying their Visa authorization
   • Rescind all Chinese Visas: America should not be the educating or training ground for citizens of communist countries.
   • End birthright citizenship. The vast majority of first-world nations do not adhere to this antiquated policy.
3. Stop the importation of "allies of convenience" with promises of citizenship, like the chaotic Afghan evacuation.

Jim Pederson: The borders are broken; #1 priority for AZ

PEDERSON: This has to be the #1 priority for AZ. We have 4,000 illegal entries into Arizona every day. The borders are broken. We used to have a guest worker program; people came across the border to work, and then went back home. Now it's a one-way street. People come in and they don't go back. The impact on AZ is estimated to be hundreds of millions per year. The taxpayers of this state should be outraged about the impact on our hospitals, our schools, our law enforcement, our prisons. Let's get practical. Let's get real.

KYL: The question was, I recall, what's your plan. I didn't hear anything about a plan. I only heard that our borders are broken. I still haven't heard Mr. Pederson's plan. It's one thing to talk tough about securing the border, it's quite another to have a realistic plan for how to do it, without giving citizenship to all of the illegal aliens.

Jim Pederson: Aliens volunteering for "Mandatory Departure" is impractical

PEDERSON: In Kyl's bill, there's a section called "Mandatory Departure." An undocumented person is supposed to report to Customs, voluntarily, and voluntarily agree to be deported. How does that work? Practical? No. Let's get at this problem and solve it.

KYL: We just passed a bill for $13 billion for better border control. Much of that will go to enhancing our Border Patrol, and building fencing and vehicle barriers.

PEDERSON: You say you voted on bills. How many of your bills got passed for the benefit of the people of Arizona? Not one! I'm going to go back there and solve this problem for the people of Arizona in a practical, aggressive way.

KYL: My opponent said "Not one." The bill I just mentioned is now law. My amendment to double the number of border agents is also now law.

JL Mealer: Charge illegal immigrants with state crimes

Frank Riggs, Republican: The veteran and former police officer says he will also invest in fencing and providing additional resources to border sheriffs.

the heads of smugglers, providing amnesty to informants, and legalizing marijuana to reduce cartel profits.

Joe Arpaio: Traffic stops ok based on ethnicity, to find illegals

Joe Arpaio: Enthusiastically supports wall along the southern border

Arpaio's campaign manager attacked McSally's shifting support on immigration-related legislation. "It's no shock that McSally has been changing positions on key policy issues since she decided to run for higher office," he said in a written statement. "But for her to flip-flop so late in the game is just embarrassing."

John Kerry: Temporary workers ok, and earned amnesty ok

BUSH: We're increasing the border security of the US. There ought to be a temporary worker card that allows a willing worker and a willing employer, so long as there's not an American willing to do that job, to join up. I don't believe we ought to have amnesty. I don't think we ought to reward illegal behavior. There are plenty of people standing in line to become a citizen. If they want to become a citizen, they can stand in line, too. And here is where my opponent and I differ. In September 2003, he supported amnesty for illegal aliens.

KERRY: We need a guest-worker program. We need is to crack down on illegal hiring. And thirdly, we need an earned-legalization program for people who have been here for a long time, stayed out of trouble, got a job, paid their taxes, and their kids are American. We got to start moving them toward full citizenship, out of the shadows.

John McCain: Campaign ad: "Complete the danged fence!"

John McCain: TV ad: Obama makes protecting AZ border incredibly difficult

When the president went to Capitol Hill in May to address the Senate Republicans, McCain accused the president of misrepresenting Arizona's Draconian new immigration law (which McCain had endorsed, and which Obama's Justice Department was preparing to challenge).

John McCain: 10-point plan to secure border; then try legal-worker deal

Glassman said that while he supports securing the border, it won't work unless there is a way for people to cross legally for work.

Jon Kyl: $13B for Border Patrol and border fencing

PEDERSON: This has to be the #1 priority for AZ. We have 4,000 illegal entries into Arizona every day. The borders are broken. We used to have a guest worker program; people came across the border to work, and then went back home. Now it's a one-way street. People come in and they don't go back. The impact on AZ is estimated to be hundreds of millions per year. The taxpayers of this state should be outraged about the impact on our hospitals, our schools, our law enforcement, our prisons. Let's get practical. Let's get real.

KYL: The question was, I recall, what's your plan. I didn't hear anything about a plan. I only heard that our borders are broken. I still haven't heard Mr. Pederson's plan. It's one thing to talk tough about securing the border, it's quite another to have a realistic plan for how to do it, without giving citizenship to all of the illegal aliens.

Jon Kyl: My amendments and "Mandatory Departure" are now law

PEDERSON: In Kyl's bill, there's a section called "Mandatory Departure." An undocumented person is supposed to report to Customs, voluntarily, and voluntarily agree to be deported. How does that work? Practical? No. Let's get at this problem and solve it.

KYL: We just passed a bill for $13 billion for better border control. Much of that will go to enhancing our Border Patrol, and building fencing and vehicle barriers.

PEDERSON: You say you voted on bills. How many of your bills got passed for the benefit of the people of Arizona? Not one! I'm going to go back there and solve this problem for the people of Arizona in a practical, aggressive way.

KYL: My opponent said "Not one." The bill I just mentioned is now law. My amendment to double the number of border agents is also now law.

Justin Olson: Finish the wall; verify immigration status for jobs

Karrin Taylor Robson: Arizona will construct border wall wherever possible

[Sanctuary cities are] not just San Francisco. Democrat-led cities across the nation have enacted sanctuary policies to stymie immigration enforcement and prevent local police from collaborating with federal authorities, even in the case of dangerous criminals. These policies put our communities at-risk. As Governor, I will cut the funding of any county, city or town that enacts a sanctuary policy.

Katie Hobbs: We have to fix our broken immigration system

Kelli Ward: No citizenship for lawbreakers

Kelli Ward: Consistent pro-border, pro-law message

Ward's lead strategist said McSally's move illustrates what he describes as a political "identity crisis" that has plagued her since she launched her campaign."She has to run on her record and she's never gone through the ringer statewide like she is now," he told The Arizona Republic. "Unfortunately for her, I think she's being exposed." He said Ward will continue to press her consistent "pro-border, pro-law" message, one he says will play well with voters over a candidate who "seems to sway on the issues when it's to their political" benefit.

Kelli Ward: No amnesty & no compromise on immigrant family separation

"We're studying the proposal," said Arizona Rep. Martha McSally, who is viewed as the GOP establishment's favorite in one of the top Senate races. "I try not get swayed by what the emotions are or the pressure. I really try to look at the policy issues."

Kelli Ward, one of McSally's main opponents in the Arizona Senate primary on Aug. 28, was more scathing in her assessment. "Compromising on the rule of law to grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants is the wrong path to take," she said of the House plan. "Congress should focus on border security and stop talking about amnesty as a solution."

Kyrsten Sinema: Support Recognizing America's Children Act (GOP compromise)

Her staff said McSally "wanted to clarify" that she now wants another bill, called the Securing America's Future Act. That bill, which would do away with the diversity visa program and impose tougher border enforcement provisions, has 95 co-sponsors, all of whom are Republicans. It would grant "contingent nonimmigrant status" to those brought to the U.S. as children if they meet certain conditions rather than citizenship. [Rep. Kyrsten Sinema does not co-sponsor the Securing America's Future Act].

Mark Brnovich: Oppose open borders; support law enforcement

Mark Kelly: Secure the southern border without demonizing migrants

Mark Kelly: Strong, effective border security; protect DREAMers

Mark Kelly: Senate should pass path to citizenship for DREAMers

Mark Kelly: Better border technology, not wall; citizenship for DREAMers

Mark Kelly: Not for open borders but have to treat people fairly

Martha McSally: Border is still not secure; it's a national security threat

The recent influx of tens of thousands of unaccompanied children who easily crossed the border is the latest evidence that shows how unsecure our border really is.

The barriers and fences already in place are delaying the illegal activity, but they are not enough and they are not everywhere. We should be using intelligence-driven operations to identify corridors of activity, and then strategically utilize sensors, airborne assets, radar, and manpower to detect, monitor, and intercept illegal activity at the border.

As a Member of Congress, I will fight to secure our border.

Martha McSally: Reduce legal immigration; no pathway to citizenship

McSally instead is backing a bill that calls for allowing undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children to apply for "contingent non-immigrant status," rather than giving them a shot at becoming legal permanent residents and eventually full US citizens.

McSally asked the House of Representatives for unanimous consent to formally drop her co-sponsorship of a bill called the Recognizing America's Children Act. McSally now wants another bill, called the Securing America's Future Act. That bill, which would do away with the diversity visa program and impose tougher border enforcement provisions. It would grant "contingent nonimmigrant status" to those brought to the U.S. as children if they meet certain conditions rather than citizenship.

Martha McSally: Study proposals to deal with immigrant family separation

Trump has tried to blame Democrats for his own administration's policy, tweeting that they "can fix their forced family breakup at the Border by working with Republicans on new legislation, for a change!"

Facing a national uproar, House GOP leaders included a provision in the immigration proposal that would require families to be kept together for as long as they are in the custody of DHS.

The proposed fix won approval from moderate House Republicans locked in difficult re-election battles, but not from Republican Senate candidates running competitive races in GOP-leaning states. None spoke in support of the bill.

"We're studying the proposal," said Arizona Rep. Martha McSally. "I try not get swayed by what the emotions are or the pressure. I really try to look at the policy issues."

Martha McSally: Extend DACA protections but no path to citizenship

Martha McSally (R): Formerly supported citizenship options. Now supports extending DACA protections but no path to citizenship.

Kyrsten Sinema (D): Yes. "Congress must act to secure our borders & provide an earned path to citizenship for Dreamers."

Martha McSally: Secure the border to keep out drugs & human trafficking

MCSALLY: I share the president's frustration that the Democrats are obstructing on this issue. I represent a Southern border district. And on the border right now we're dealing with a cartel activity, continuing to traffic opioids and other drugs and human trafficking into our communities. This is a public safety and a national security issue. A number of people are being trafficked by the cartels, taking advantage of the loopholes in our laws, so that they know they're going to be released right into the interior of the US, never to show up for their court date. This isn't working. And my bill that I worked really closely with the White House on closed these loopholes. Only Congress can do it This is a unifying issue across Arizona.

Martha McSally: 2015: Supported merit-based entry with keeping DREAMers

MCSALLY: I have been consistently leading on this issue as the Border Security Subcommittee chair. This is a difficult issue. But when the president kicked DACA to Congress, appropriately, we worked together, to lead, to identify a solution that secures the border, closes these legal loopholes, moves us more towards a merit- based system, and does something on DACA. This is what we worked on to bring to the floor. Unfortunately, we couldn't get it passed. But we're going to keep working on it, because the border still needs to be secured. These loopholes still need to be closed. And I'm going to continue to lead on this when I'm in the Senate. Even though Washington, D.C., moves on the other topics, we still have to address this issue.

Martha McSally: Citizenship for DREAMers if tied to wall, closing loopholes

Matt Salmon: I believe in strong borders and an Arizona-first agenda

Mick McGuire: No border, no security; No security, no country