AUGUST 22, 2011
Priority on Immigration Leaves Border Security Last
PHOENIX – The Obama Administration has made a major step in “prioritizing deportation cases” while ranchers along the Southern border are left wondering if border security has yet again taken a back seat. “This move by the Administration is disappointing after residents in southern Arizona have been asking the federal government to take action on border security. This move will take away from the focus of criminal activity along our Southern border. With no certainty of repercussions for illegal entry border crossings will only increase,” says Gary Thrasher.
Secretary Napolitano claims, “This case-by-case approach will enhance public safety. Immigration judges will be able to more swiftly adjudicate high-priority cases, such as those involving convicted felons.” The fact is that if the federal government took the appropriate action to secure our border, the justice system would not be filled with immigration deportation cases. This is a perfect example of how broken our system is. “The ranching community is outraged that the Secretary would claim this move would help public safety. It is hard to believe when international criminals continue to cross ranches from Casa Grande to Douglas,” said Patrick Bray, Executive Vice President of the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association. “We have lost American lives on American soil and this Administration can find the time to bypass Congress for immigrants but does not have the will to secure our border.”
Every day ranchers along the border see first-hand the human suffering that takes place because of our broken system and the extent to which the drug cartels have taken over human trafficking. Despite our continued efforts to inform the Administration of the situation, the only feedback we get is through stats and figures and assurance that the border is safer than it has ever been. It is apparent that this Administration believes that they have been victorious in securing the border.
Border security cannot remain a pawn for politicos as this year’s election approaches. We have waited a year and a half for action from our federal officials. Elected officials in Arizona remain focused on the task and when DC comes to town they better have a plan for securing our border.
Arizona Cattlemen’s Association
