PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego unveiled a comprehensive framework on Monday aimed at reforming the nation’s immigration system while strengthening border security.
“We don’t have to choose between border security and immigration reform. We can and should do both,” Gallego said in a statement.
The Arizona Democrat released a 22-page plan titled “Securing the Border and Fueling Economic Security,” which lays out five pillars:
Secure the border and keep communities safe
Reform the asylum system to end abuse
Expand legal immigration pathways to support the economy
Provide a pathway out of the shadows for undocumented immigrants
Address root causes of migration
Gallego’s proposal includes a pathway to citizenship for “Dreamers” and other longtime undocumented residents, expanded resources for asylum officers, and hiring incentives for Border Patrol agents.
“Many of them live in the shadows. We must do right by these communities by giving them their shot at the American dream,” Gallego said.
A U.S. Marine veteran and member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Gallego follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Kyrsten Sinema, who previously worked on a bipartisan immigration bill blocked by Senate Republicans.
Gallego hopes his effort will avoid the same political gridlock.
“Americans deserve the right to feel safe and know their border is secure,” he said. “It’s time to push forward and enact a plan that works.”
