WASHINGTON — Arizona Republicans are working to push a proposal today to pass a ballot measure to criminalize people who cross the border. The measure is a clear copycat of Texas’ notorious SB 4 bill and would allow local law enforcement to arrest anyone suspected of crossing the border illegally – opening the door to racial profiling and prompting serious questions about inhumane immigrant detention. Republicans wielded their majorities to pass this proposal earlier this year, but once it was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, they’ve now decided to attempt to use a ballot measure as a vehicle to circumvent her veto powers. They’ve even written this proposal in a way that ensures that even if they lose legislative control, they can defend the measure in court – signaling they know their days in power are numbered.
This dangerous ballot measure is the latest in Arizona Republicans’ extreme policies vilifying immigrant communities. Earlier this year, Arizona GOP lawmakers advanced a bill that would have allowed people to legally shoot and kill undocumented migrants, or anybody, who crosses their land. Arizona Republicans’ extremism knows no bounds, and they are clearly out of step with Arizona communities. Democrats are just two seats away in each chamber from gaining control of the legislature – Arizona represents the top flip opportunity this cycle, and the DLCC is leaving nothing to chance.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Press Secretary Sam Paisley issued the following statement:
“Republicans aren’t interested in real solutions on the border – they’re motivated by cementing their own power and dehumanizing immigrant populations. The GOP wants to allow people to arrest and vilify suspected undocumented immigrants at their own discretion, and bills like this make Arizona more dangerous for everyone. Republicans are so committed to their anti-immigrant agenda that they’ll try to circumvent the governor and attempt to maintain control over this ballot measure, even if they lose their majorities.
“Republican legislators across the country are tripling down on their attacks against immigrants – with Arizona extremists in the legislature leading the way. The DLCC will continue to sound the alarm on GOP extremism in Arizona and the stakes of flipping legislative control in November. Democrats are just two seats away from gaining control of the legislature and changing the trajectory of Arizona communities.”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures and building state infrastructure. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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