Staff Reports
President Biden’s recent proclamation to limit the number of asylum seekers at the southern border has sparked mixed reactions in Arizona. The proclamation sets a cap of 2,500 average asylum seekers per day, with certain exceptions for vulnerable individuals and unaccompanied children. This move comes as the United States continues to experience a surge in migrant encounters at the border since Biden took office.
Many Republicans have criticized Biden’s immigration policies, attributing the increase in migrant crossings to his decision to halt border wall construction and other Trump-era policies. In response to the proclamation, Senator Mark Kelly expressed support, emphasizing the strain on Border Patrol agents and the need for relief in border communities. However, Kelly placed blame on Republicans for the failure to address border security through legislation.
Arizona politicians, stakeholders react to Biden's border order (The Center Square) – President Joe Biden’s proclamation limiting the number of asylum seekers each day at the southern border sparked a range of reactions from politicians and groups in Ar…https://t.co/s95YGd87eX
— The Black Chronicle (@BlackChron) June 5, 2024
The Phoenix-based Border Security Alliance welcomed the proclamation but noted that meaningful immigration reform and border security should not be limited to election seasons. They emphasized the need for bipartisan action in Congress to address these issues. Meanwhile, some Republicans, including U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, criticized the proclamation for not going far enough and accused President Biden and Congressman Ruben Gallego of politicizing border security.
As the debate continues at the federal level, Arizona lawmakers are also considering state-level actions. Republicans in the Arizona House have put forward House Concurrent Resolution 2060, also known as the “Secure the Border Act,” which aims to make illegal border crossing a state crime and includes provisions related to fentanyl and e-verify. This resolution will now be considered by Arizona voters.
