Ruben Gallego Shares New Immigration Plan in Arizona Senate Race
U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego, the leading Democrat in Arizona’s closely watched Senate race, has announced a new immigration plan as the competition heats up. His plan, introduced at a press conference and explained in a detailed policy paper, aims to set him apart from his Republican opponent, Kari Lake. Immigration is a big issue for Arizona voters, and both candidates are making it a main focus of their campaigns.
A Plan with Multiple Goals
Gallego’s plan tries to balance strong border security with fairness for immigrants. He says Arizona needs “real solutions, not political stunts.” Gallego explained, “Arizonans want a secure border, but they also want a system that is fair, humane, and reflects our values.”
- Doubling the number of Border Patrol agents and adding modern surveillance technology to better secure the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Creating a path to citizenship for Dreamers, farmworkers, and other undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for a long time, pass background checks, and pay taxes.
- Making the asylum process faster and fairer by cutting down on backlogs and giving more resources to immigration courts.
- Cracking down on drug and human trafficking by focusing on stopping cartels and working more with Mexican authorities.
- Expanding legal ways to immigrate for people coming for work or family reasons, which Gallego says would help reduce the number of people trying to cross the border illegally.
Personal Connection to Immigration
Gallego shared that this issue is close to his heart. His mother immigrated from Mexico. He believes this gives him a special understanding of the challenges families face. “We can have both security and compassion,” he said. “We don’t have to choose.”
Sharp Differences with Kari Lake
Kari Lake, the Republican candidate and a former TV news anchor, is making border security the main message of her campaign. Lake supports finishing the border wall and sending the National Guard to stop illegal crossings. Lake’s campaign accused Gallego of wanting “open borders” and said he would not keep Arizona safe.
Gallego disagrees and has criticized Lake and other Republicans for what he calls “fearmongering” and “extreme” ideas like mass deportations and using the military at the border.
Praise and Criticism from Different Groups
Immigrant rights groups have welcomed Gallego’s plan. Petra Falcon, the executive director of Promise Arizona, called it “the kind of leadership we need.” She said the plan “recognizes the humanity of immigrants while addressing legitimate security concerns.”
However, some Republicans and law enforcement leaders say the plan does not go far enough. Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, a Republican, said, “We need action, not more talk. The border is out of control, and Washington politicians aren’t doing enough.”
What’s at Stake in the Senate Race?
The Arizona Senate race is one of the most important in the country this year. Control of the U.S. Senate could depend on who wins. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who was elected as a Democrat but is now an independent, has not said if she will try to keep her seat. This has made the race even more unpredictable.
Bipartisan Hopes and Political Challenges
Gallego says he wants to work with both Democrats and Republicans if he is elected to the Senate. “This isn’t about left or right,” he explained. “It’s about doing what’s right for Arizona and for America.”
The debate about immigration is expected to get even more intense as the campaign continues. Both sides are trying to win over voters who are tired of years of political fighting and rising numbers of people crossing the border.
Key Points of Gallego’s Immigration Plan
- More Border Patrol agents and new technology for border security
- Path to citizenship for Dreamers and long-term undocumented immigrants
- Faster and fairer asylum process
- Strong actions against drug and human trafficking
- More legal options for work and family immigration
Looking Ahead
Arizona voters will have to choose between two very different ideas about immigration and border security. Gallego is promising a balanced plan with both strong security and compassion for immigrants. Lake is focusing on tough enforcement and stopping illegal crossings. As the election gets closer, immigration will likely remain the main issue for both candidates and for voters across the state.