http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=46968

Bush says he will work with states on border
Associated Press
August 28, 2005
EL MIRAGE - President Bush said Monday he understands the burden illegal immigration puts on border states like Arizona and that federal officials are working hard to enforce the nation's borders.

"I understand it's putting a strain on your resources," said Bush. "It's important for the people of this state to understand, your voices are being heard in Washington, D.C."

Bush, a former Texas governor, told a crowd dominated by retirees that he understands the challenges of illegal immigration and will work with Gov. Janet Napolitano and other border governors to address the problem.

"We have an obligation to enforce the borders," he said, noting that U.S. Homeland Security officials and others were working with Napolitano.

More people, detention space and resources will be made available in border areas, Bush said.

Bush was in El Mirage to promote a new Medicare prescription drug benefit that becomes available in January, but he said he knew the crowd would want him to address illegal immigration - a comment that elicited a groan from those gathered in a community building at a mobile home park here.

Bush said he spoke to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Monday about the issue. "I said, 'Are you working with the governor?' You bet we are,' " Bush said. "That's the most effective way to do things, to work with the state and local authorities."

Arizona has borne the brunt of the illegal immigration problem for years. The state is the most popular crossing point for illegal immigrants on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Napolitano declared an emergency earlier this month in the state's four border counties and approved spending $1.5 million from the state's disaster fund to help pay for law enforcement and other costs stemming from illegal immigration in those areas.

At the time, she referred to the federal immigration system as "broken and underfunded."

El Mirage resident Bill Kowalski, 67, who attended Bush's event, said he doesn't feel enough is being done to catch employers who are hiring illegal workers.

Illegal immigration is a "real problem," Kowalski said. "It's only going to get worse."

U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., said Bush has not been getting as much credit as he should for addressing border issues.

Franks, who was traveling with Bush on Monday, said he believes the president is strongly embracing the need for border security.

"I have no doubt that he is clearly at this point strongly embracing immigration reform that would secure our borders," Franks said.

The issue of security is one that should be addressed first, he said. After that, questions about guest worker programs, illegal immigrants who are already here and employer sanctions can be addressed, he said.

"Until we secure the borders, we cannot even begin that debate," Franks said.