Grand Canyon Times

Arizona House Republicans have penned a letter to President Biden, expressing their dissatisfaction with the current border control policies. The lawmakers also criticized the decision of the Biden Administration to close the Lukeville port of entry.

The letter was signed by 31 House Republicans, including Reps. Quang Nguyen (R-Ariz.), Alexander Kolodin (R-Ariz.), Joseph Chaplik (R-Ariz.), David Cook (R-Ariz.), Matt Gress (R-Ariz.), among others. They voiced concerns about issues such as a 40% increase in southwest border encounters since 2021, nearly 200 attempts by migrants on the terrorist watch list to cross, apprehension of Chinese nationals amid tensions between the United States and China, and the recent closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry.

According to the letter, "The decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry as a solution to the crisis you created is unacceptable and must be reversed immediately." The lawmakers continued: "It is no secret why the border is overwhelmed. Your anti-American open-border policy sent a message to the world: that there will be no consequences for illegal immigration. The real solution is simple. Reverse your policy and put a halt to the wide-open door for so-called 'asylum-seekers'."

Lukeville, one of the busiest ports, was closed at the beginning of December in an attempt to address a surge in illegal migrant crossings. However, there has been no official announcement regarding how long this closure will last. This lack of clarity has led Arizona lawmakers to express dissatisfaction with President Biden's decision. According to an article from Associated Press, this closure has negatively impacted businesses and individuals due to disruptions in legal cross-border activities such as shopping, dining, and school commutes for some Mexican children.

The lawmakers stated in their letter: "Border states in particular are significantly harmed by your administration’s failed policies every day." They added: "Our law enforcement agencies at the border are overextended. Healthcare providers in border communities are overworked to such an extent that they are struggling to provide essential services to the residents of their community in need of care. Your decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry is just the latest in a long stream of irresponsible policies from your administration that fail to keep Arizona citizens, and all Americans, safe from criminal activity at the border."