President Biden has recently announced his intention to limit the number of migrants who seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. This news comes just hours before, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing situation at the border.
Mr. Biden expressed that this action would assist in gaining control of the border and restoring order to the process.
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In Arizona, a new measure has been passed by the state House with a narrow 31-29 vote. This measure would give state and local law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals who cross the border without authorization. Additionally, state judges would be authorized to order those convicted of unauthorized border crossing to return to their countries of origin.
All Republicans voted in favor of the proposal, while all Democrats opposed it, as the state House voted along party lines. The measure managed to bypass the veto of Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who had earlier vetoed a similar measure in March and spoken out against the move to bring the matter to voters.
Before the session started on Tuesday, House Republicans decided to close off access to the upper gallery of the chamber due to concerns about security and potential disruptions. However, Democrats were quick to criticize the move and demanded that the gallery be reopened.
State Representative Analise Ortiz emphasized the importance of keeping the public gallery open to the public, stating that it is the people’s House.
Advocates for the bill argued that it is imperative to maintain security along the southern border of the state. They emphasized that it is crucial for Arizona citizens to have a say in the matter and make a decision on this issue.
State Representative John Gillette, a Republican, emphasized the necessity of the bill and urged swift action. “Let’s act on it,” he stated.
Critics argued that the proposed law was in violation of the constitution and would result in racial profiling, causing families to be separated. Additionally, they claimed that the state would incur millions of dollars in extra policing expenses, which would be a burden on taxpayers.
Representative Mariana Sandoval, a member of the Democratic Party, dismissed the proposed solution as mere election year politics.
A federal appeals court has put on hold a Texas law that resembles the proposal. The Arizona Senate has approved the proposal on a party-line vote of 16-13.
Advocates for the bill argue that despite the existing federal law that prohibits the unauthorized entry of migrants into the United States, the government’s efforts to prevent illegal border crossings in Arizona’s extensive and permeable border with Mexico have not been effective. Hence, the proposed measure is necessary.
In addition to immigration-related provisions, the Arizona measure encompasses other provisions that are absent in the Texas measure. One such provision is the criminalization of selling fentanyl that results in an individual’s death, which is now a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Furthermore, some government agencies are required to utilize a federal database to verify a noncitizen’s eligibility for benefits.
Under this proposed measure, individuals charged or convicted under the law will be taken into the custody of the state corrections department if local or county law enforcement agencies lack space. It is important to note that individuals granted lawful presence status or asylum by the federal government will be exempt from this requirement.
Border crossers in Arizona will not be arrested until similar laws have been in effect for 60 days in Texas or other states.
