Shared Ground on Immigration: Governors Seek State Input
At the recent National Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C., Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt found common ground on one of President Donald Trump’s top priorities: immigration enforcement.
Governor Polis, chairman of the NGA, emphasized the need for states to have a say in immigration decisions. "We want to make sure we’re at the table with regard to immigration," he stated. This sentiment garnered support from both Democratic and Republican governors, he noted.
According to Polis, states are well-equipped to understand their labor needs and could facilitate work permits after thorough background checks. "Let us be able to grant those based on free background checks… and that’ll help our economic growth," he remarked.
Polis, whose state has grappled with crime and violence attributed to the migrant gang Tren de Aragua, acknowledged the importance of collaboration between state and federal authorities. While Colorado has certain sanctuary-style policies, Polis maintained that its relationship with federal law enforcement remains strong.
Governor Stitt echoed Polis’s call for state involvement in immigration matters. "I’ve been an advocate for workforce visas at the state level," he declared. Stitt emphasized the ability of governors to match employers with needed workers in various industries.
Stitt facetiously compared the U.S. to an NFL team with the first draft pick. "We should be able to choose the very best and brightest to our country. But we’re just being silly how we do it right now," he asserted.
In addition, Stitt highlighted his state’s Operation Guardian initiative, which strengthens cooperation between state law enforcement and the Trump administration to deport criminal illegal immigrants. He believes this step is crucial in ensuring public safety and reducing the burden on Oklahoma taxpayers.
However, Stitt also acknowledged the limits of state authority in immigration enforcement. He criticized the Oklahoma State Department of Public Instruction’s efforts to verify the immigration status of schoolchildren, arguing that it undermines Trump’s agenda and potentially harms innocent children.
Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, a Republican, countered Stitt’s stance, stating that it contradicts President Trump’s policies and disregards the concerns of Oklahoma voters.
Overall, Governors Polis and Stitt represent a growing consensus among both Democratic and Republican leaders that states should play a more active role in immigration policy. Their shared recognition of the need for state input and collaboration with federal authorities underscores the complexity and multifaceted nature of the immigration issue.
