In Phoenix, Arizona, Aureliano Dominguez, a legal immigrant and U.S. citizen, has been running his hot dog stand for 33 years. He believes that undocumented immigrants who commit crimes should be deported, as there are bad apples in every society. However, he is concerned about the impact of mass deportations on his business and others in the community, as undocumented immigrants play a significant role in the local economy.
The issue of securing the U.S.-Mexico border and dealing with both legal and illegal immigrants remains a top concern for voters in Arizona. A CBS News poll found that 52% of Arizona voters believe recent immigrants from Mexico and Latin America have made life worse in the state. Former President Donald Trump has promised to use the military to expel 11 million undocumented immigrants, a plan supported by 53% of voters. Vice President Kamala Harris, on the other hand, advocates for greater border security funding and a legal pathway to citizenship for some undocumented migrants, denouncing Trump’s plan as unfeasible and inhumane.
Trump’s get-tough approach to immigration includes the mass expulsion of undocumented immigrants, which has raised concerns about how this would be implemented. Republican rancher John Ladd, a Trump supporter, sees illegal crossings on his ranch daily and supports cracking down on illegal immigration. However, he also believes that law-abiding immigrants who have been productive should be given consideration to stay in the U.S. The question of how to address the immigration issue while balancing security, economic impact, and human rights remains a key point of contention for voters like Dominguez, who is undecided on his vote.
Dominguez, a registered Democrat, is hesitant to fully support the party’s stance on immigration, as he feels promises have been made in the past without significant progress. He questions the effectiveness of Democratic policies in solving the immigration issue and is considering his options carefully. Both parties have differing approaches to immigration, with Trump advocating for mass deportations and Harris pushing for a more comprehensive immigration reform that includes pathways to citizenship. The debate over immigration policy reflects larger concerns about national security, economic impact, and humanitarian considerations.
The current political landscape in Arizona reflects a divided stance on immigration, with voters grappling with the complexities of border security and immigration reform. The issue of illegal immigration continues to be a divisive topic, with strong views on both sides about how best to address the challenges posed by undocumented immigrants. As the debate continues, voters like Dominguez are left weighing their options and considering the potential impact of their decisions on their communities and businesses. The upcoming election will likely have significant implications for the future of immigration policy in the United States.
