Border town mayors weigh in on new asylum policy
A new rule changing who is eligible to apply for asylum at our border could affect immigration trends in the Desert Southwest.
Thousands of apprehensions have been happening in Yuma County for close to a year, where those who are entering are hoping for a shot at asylum.
Two of our local border mayors weighed in on the situation with different points of views.
” There’s someone trying to make a difference, someone trying to change the environment that has led so many people to this country through a non-regular process. I don’t know if it’s the right way. I don’t know if it’s the right words or legal whatever. The courts and all that will get that figured out, but having forward progress on changing some immigration laws is important stuff, ” explained Mayor Doug Nicholls.
The Mayor of San Luis Gerardo Sanchez said the policy could impact their economy negatively.
” My biggest concern is the impact, the economic impact it’s causing our city. The thing is the laws. The laws can’t be broken, but then again we have to make it, if people need asylum, we should assist that. We should facilitate that, ” said Mayor Sanchez.
Mayor Sanchez explained his city has felt the effects of the border crisis since October. He noted longer wait times at the Port of Entry.
” When they shifted people into Texas, it delayed everything. We were already hurting and you really want to make us hurt? When you close lanes, it affects the economy, our ag workers, it affects all aspects, ” explained Mayor Sanchez.
On the other hand, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls said with a pause in the high number of crossings, it offers time for nongovernmental agencies (NGOs) the opportunity to regroup.
But, Mayor Nicholls said he does foresee the trend picking back up when the heat starts to let up.
