Laura Grant, a 47-year-old insurance agent from Phoenix, is concerned about the deteriorating situation at the border and the lack of action from Congress to overhaul US immigration and border policy. She feels that neither party can be trusted to solve the issue, with Democrats not fully understanding the severity of the situation and Republicans rejecting bipartisan border security bills. Grant expressed frustration with the lack of clarity on the parties’ agendas and is unsure of their stance on the issue.
President Joe Biden and Democratic campaigns are aiming to address the Republican advantage on immigration, particularly in battleground states like Arizona, ahead of the November election. The centerpiece of Democrats’ strategy has been a bipartisan border bill, which has faced resistance from Republicans. The failure of the border security legislation to pass in the Senate has become a focal point for Democrats in highlighting the Republican unwillingness to address the issue, especially in appealing to results-driven voters.
There is a debate within the Democratic coalition regarding how to address migration and the border. While some advocate for a focus on border security and legal pathways for migration, others, including progressives and migrant advocacy groups, stress the importance of pro-immigrant policies to draw a clear contrast with Republicans. Both sides argue that their approach is crucial for helping Biden win, especially in swing states like Arizona where immigration is a top concern for voters.
Immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers critical of the party’s border-first strategy are concerned about potential voter apathy and the lack of a distinctive message that highlights the positive contributions of immigrants. They worry that without a clearer celebration of immigrants and their economic impact, organizers may feel deflated, and some voters may choose to stay home. There is a call for a more distinct approach that celebrates immigrants’ contributions and focuses on their positive impacts on the economy.
Republicans have been pushing a narrative of “Biden Migrant Crime” and highlighting crimes committed by migrants to falsely argue that they have caused a crime wave. The bipartisan border bill attempted to address security concerns by speeding up the asylum process and expanding the president’s authority to limit migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border. However, the bill faced opposition from Trump and failed to pass in the Senate, leading to renewed focus on the issue among Democrats.
As the November election approaches, Democrats are doubling down on a border security-focused strategy and are attempting to shift blame to Republicans for failures in addressing the border and immigration issues. Biden and his supporters are highlighting the administration’s efforts to push for comprehensive immigration reform and pro-immigrant policies. The ongoing debate within the Democratic coalition reflects differing opinions on how best to approach migration and the border, particularly in key states like Arizona.
