In an ambitious move to tackle one of the most challenging political issues in Washington, Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona unveiled a comprehensive plan on Monday aimed at overhauling the U.S. immigration system and enhancing border security. Gallego, who narrowly defeated Republican candidate Kari Lake in the recent Senate race, has outlined a strategy that includes increasing the number of Border Patrol agents, utilizing advanced technology to combat fentanyl trafficking, reforming the asylum system, expanding legal avenues for immigration, and proposing a pathway to citizenship for selected undocumented immigrants.
The timing of Gallego’s proposal coincides with the early months of President Donald Trump’s administration, which has remained steadfast in its commitment to mass deportation policies. Despite this political backdrop, Gallego’s initiative highlights the ongoing legislative dialogue surrounding immigration reform. Historically, Congress has grappled with enacting meaningful changes to the immigration framework. An example came in 2023 and 2024 when a group of senators, led by Gallego’s predecessor Krysten Sinema, worked for months on a border bill. The proposal aimed to refine asylum procedures for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, increase the hiring of personnel to assess asylum petitions, and allocate funds for border communities. However, the bill quickly faced significant resistance, stalling progress.
The closest Congress came to an immigration reform breakthrough was a decade ago in 2013, when a bipartisan group crafted legislation that could have created pathways to citizenship for millions of undocumented individuals while tightening employment verification measures and boosting border security. Though it successfully passed in the Senate, it was ultimately rejected by the House.
Gallego’s strategy encompasses elements that may garner bipartisan interest, such as fortifying border security. Nonetheless, other aspects, particularly those aimed at legalizing undocumented immigrants, are likely to spark debate. “We don’t have to choose between border security and immigration reform. We can and should do both,” Gallego asserted in a press release. He emphasized the necessity for Congress to move beyond political obstacles to establish a viable solution.
A Marine Corps veteran and an advocate for immigration and border policies, Gallego has replaced Sinema, who shifted from being a Democratic to an Independent senator from Arizona.
The comprehensive 21-page proposal includes:
**Increasing Access to the United States**
Gallego stresses that stricter immigration enforcement needs to be complemented by viable legal pathways for potential immigrants. His plan suggests increasing the quota for specific visas and Green Cards, along with removing or significantly altering existing “arbitrary per-country caps.” New visa categories, increased refugee admissions, and an expedited legalization process for military-serving immigrants are also suggested measures. Additionally, the plan proposes phased implementation of E-Verify, a system to confirm the legal work status of potential employees, despite its controversial nature due to fears it could generate labor shortages.
**Pathway to Citizenship**
On the basis of moral and economic arguments, Gallego calls for establishing a citizenship pathway for individuals brought to the U.S. as children, potentially benefiting an estimated 3.4 million people. His proposal further includes a citizenship pathway for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, akin to President Biden’s earlier, judicially halted, attempt. This earlier initiative was estimated to cover approximately 550,000 individuals.
**Enhancing Border Security**
Recognizing a decline in migrant border crossings since June of the previous year, Gallego warns of possible future surges. He emphasizes the importance of investing in the present to be adequately prepared, suggesting improvements in Border Patrol wages and working conditions to bolster recruitment and retention. Investments in advanced technologies and infrastructure aimed at drug and human trafficking detection are also targeted, along with focusing ICE efforts on deporting those who pose security risks. Additionally, financial assistance is proposed for towns in Arizona significantly impacted by migrant influxes.
**Reforming the Asylum System**
Gallego’s plan advocates for hiring additional asylum officers who would be empowered to adjudicate cases, bypassing the overloaded immigration courts. He proposes raising the legal standard for asylum requests and restricting eligibility during times of increased border crossings.
**Addressing Root Causes of Migration**
Arguing for a more comprehensive approach, Gallego stresses the importance of understanding and addressing the reasons behind migration from home countries to effectively resolve the root issues spurring individuals to leave.