Thread: Napolitano talks about border ties

Napolitano talks about border ties
Aug. 3, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, a leader of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, answered Arizona Republic questions regarding the relationship between Arizona and Sonora.

Napolitano, who communicated via e-mail, is in Cleveland, leading a National Platform Committee hearing in her role as chair of the Platform Committee of the Democratic Party.


Republic: How important is the trade relationship between Arizona and Sonora, and how would you describe the relationship itself, both economically and culturally?

Napolitano: Arizona and Sonora have a very strong trade relationship, one that is important not only to Arizona but to all states of our nation. For example, Sonora is responsible for producing and distributing 47 percent of all winter fresh produce nationally. Commerce at the border brings in approximately $2 billion annually and creates close to 28,000 new jobs in Arizona. Particularly in light of the current slow economy, creation of jobs and trade is essential in maintaining Arizona's market share and economic viability.


Republic: Has the relationship been strained due to illegal drugs and illegal immigration, and what's being done to repair or heal any fractured feelings over such things as the Wall and anti-immigrant laws and sentiment?

Napolitano: No. In fact, it has probably caused Arizona and Sonora to work together even more closely. Both Arizona and Sonora must deal with our respective federal governments' failure to address illegal drugs and immigration. We partner on many initiatives with the common goal of maintaining physical and economic security along the Arizona-Sonora border. To that end, Arizona state and local law enforcements work with their Sonoran counterparts to stop human smuggling and illegal trafficking of drugs and weapons. We share updated information on fugitives wanted for crimes in the Arizona-Sonora region. Through a tri-national emergency plan among Arizona, Sonora and the Tohono O'odham Nation, we are establishing a coordinated response system for times of natural disaster or emergencies along the border. We work hard for funding to add security and technology to our ports of entry that will keep our region safe and competitive in the 21st-century global market. The reasons are clear: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. General Services Administration have both named the Mariposa Port of Entry a top priority. It is the third-busiest land port of entry in the United States, yet President Bush failed to include $174 million in his fiscal 2009 budget to update and secure the port.


Republic: What are some of the greatest accomplishments of the Arizona-Mexico Commission?

Napolitano: The Arizona-Mexico Commission was created by Gov. Paul Fannin in 1959. As we embark on our 50th anniversary year, we continue what has become a vital, active and productive partnership. Already this year, we have enacted eight agreements addressing drug and weapon trafficking, felony fugitives, emergency response and border infrastructure in the Arizona-Sonora region - all accomplished despite the lack of support from federal governments on either side of the international border.

In recent years, the AMC has also coordinated formal partnerships among Arizona, Sonora and the U.S. government to facilitate the movement and inspection of cattle across the international border; introduced a regional economic-development initiative to promote business investment in the area; and multiple efforts to improve inspections and conditions at the ports of entry.


Republic: What is your impression of Sonora Gov. Eduardo Bours, and how do you see his future role in Mexican politics?

Napolitano: Governor Bours understands the importance of binational cooperation and, I believe, will continue to work closely with the United States in whatever position he may achieve. I anticipate that Governor Bours will continue to be an incredible asset to the Mexican government, and his vision for a better Mexico will coincide with how the United States interacts with a good neighbor.


Republic: What needs to change in the ties between the U.S. and Mexico to benefit both countries?

Napolitano: Immigration reform is the Number 1 issue facing the United States and Mexico. To create a border and immigration system that works, we must look beyond the piecemeal approach that has been taken and, instead, address immigration reform on all fronts. That includes a streamlined visa system and a temporary-worker program that allows people to enter the U.S. legally, work and then return home. Further, there is no sane way to deport the 12 million people who are already here. We must create a workable system by which they can be held accountable for breaking the law, yet also get in line to apply for legal presence and ultimately citizenship.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepubli ... o0803.html

Further, there is no sane way to deport the 12 million people who are already here. We must create a workable system by which they can be held accountable for breaking the law, yet also get in line to apply for legal presence and ultimately citizenship.

Boom! There you go, definitely an amnesty supporter. Oops, we already knew that.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano

Shes more Mexican than American. She is a big part of the illegal immigration problem just like all the pro-Mexico governors along the border.