KEEPING ARIZONA SAFE, STRONG AND PROSPEROUS
Strong Border, Secure Arizona
States are not responsible for operational control of international borders; however, due to the failure of the federal government in Arizona, the state has had to act to preserve the rights and best interests of its citizens. In her 2006 State of the State remarks, Governor Janet Napolitano proposed a $100 million border security package to uphold the rule of law at the border. The border security package is a four-part plan that focuses on reducing border crime; increasing border security; preventing the hiring of illegal immigrants; and keeping the pressure on the federal government to do its job and take responsibility for the border. 1. Crime Arizonans demand that we stop the crime related to illegal immigration, including: ? Human and drug trafficking ? Document and employment fraud ? Stolen Vehicles ? Property Crimes Arizona will step-up enforcement and come down hard on the criminals that have made human trafficking their business and human suffering their stock in trade. The Arizona Fraudulent Identification Task Force will expand its efforts to track and uncover the fraudulent documents that allow people to live illegally in the shadows. Arizona will also expand high-tech approaches of identifying stolen vehicles headed into Mexico. These vehicles will be stopped before they are used to return to this country carrying loads of illegal immigrants. 2. Increasing Border Security Governor Napolitano believes we must deploy sufficient personnel and equipment to fight crime and ensure safety for lawful commerce, tourism and legal immigration. The federal government has indicated its intent to send more Border Patrol agents. Until that occurs, the Governor has asked Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to invoke Article 32 of the federal code, allowing the federal government to pay for expanded Arizona National Guard presence at the border. The Arizona Department of Public Safety will also be provided with the manpower it needs to keep up with the overwhelming enforcement challenge. And law enforcement in the cities and towns that have been hit hardest by illegal immigration will have the tools, training and personnel they need. 3. Prevent the Hiring of Illegal Immigrants To stop illegal immigration, we must stop the demand. In 2005, the Governor issued an executive order to make it impossible for the state to contract with employers who hire illegal aliens. She has now asked the Legislature to expand that effort and sanction businesses that knowingly employ illegal immigrants. 4. Keep the Pressure on the Federal Government America's borders are Washington's job; this is a federal problem, and we expect the federal government to do its part. Governor Napolitano called on Congress to enact tough and realistic immigration reform, including a guest worker program; to work with Mexico to reform its economic systems; and to reimburse Arizona for the federal costs it pays related to immigration.
Governor Janet Napolitano 2006 State of the State Address January 9, 2006
