Arizona Democratic Sen. Gallego wades into immigration debate with new plan - AP News

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 8:57 am

**Arizona Senator Gallego Unveils Immigration Reform Plan**

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat, has introduced a comprehensive immigration reform plan aimed at addressing the complex challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border and within the immigration system. The plan, released Monday, seeks to tackle issues ranging from border security to pathways to citizenship.

Gallego's proposal includes several key components. He advocates for increased border security measures, such as hiring more Border Patrol agents and utilizing advanced technology to combat fentanyl smuggling. The plan also addresses the asylum system, proposing reforms to streamline the process and potentially raise standards. Furthermore, Gallego's plan seeks to expand legal avenues for immigration, including increasing visa allotments, creating new visa categories, and expediting naturalization for military personnel. A significant element of the plan is a pathway to citizenship for certain groups, including those brought to the U.S. as children and spouses of U.S. citizens.

The plan acknowledges the need for addressing the root causes of migration, suggesting a focus on understanding and mitigating the factors driving people to leave their home countries. Gallego's plan also includes provisions for gradually implementing E-Verify, a system designed to verify employment eligibility.

While some aspects of the plan, such as enhanced border security, may garner bipartisan support, other elements, like the pathway to citizenship, are likely to face significant opposition. The plan comes amidst a challenging political climate, with past attempts at immigration reform having failed to gain traction in Congress.

BNN's Perspective: Senator Gallego's plan represents a bold attempt to bridge the political divide on immigration. While the proposal's success is uncertain, it's a positive step to see a lawmaker tackling such a complex issue with a multi-faceted approach. The focus on both border security and pathways to citizenship is a balanced approach that acknowledges the diverse needs and concerns surrounding immigration. However, the plan's success will depend on the ability to find common ground and compromise in a highly polarized political environment.

Keywords:
Ruben Gallego, immigration reform, border security, pathway to citizenship, asylum system, fentanyl smuggling, E-Verify, visas, Green Cards, immigration, U.S.-Mexico border, Arizona, Congress, Democrats, Republicans, immigration policy, immigration debate

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