Former Nogales Mayor Expresses Discontent with Biden Administration's Immigration Policies

NOGALES, Arizona — Arturo Garino, the former mayor of Nogales, once a fervent supporter of national Democratic candidates, including then-President Barack Obama, has expressed his disappointment with the current administration's handling of immigration.

Now out of public office and amid Arizona's intensifying immigration issues, Garino told NBC News that he will not campaign for President Joe Biden. Although he voted for Biden in 2020, Garino is uncertain about his vote in the upcoming November election.

“I don’t think what this administration is doing is right — letting all these people just come across,” Garino said. “I’m a Democrat, and I’m pretty pissed off.”

Biden's Immigration Policies and Latino Voter Sentiment

President Biden's recent executive action, signed on Tuesday, significantly restricts access to asylum for migrants at the border, highlighting the administration's struggles with immigration, even among Latino voters traditionally supportive of the Democratic Party.

Voters like Garino, who previously criticized the administration for maintaining a pandemic-related ban on border crossings, are frustrated by the high numbers of migrant arrivals in recent years. Additionally, there is dissatisfaction with Biden’s inability to deliver on promises for immigration reform for long-settled immigrants without legal status, despite Republican blockades in Congress.

In a tight presidential race, any erosion of Latino support in battleground states like Arizona could have significant consequences.

Shifts in Latino Voter Preferences

While immigration is not the top voting issue for Latinos, it often serves as a litmus test. Carlos Odio, co-founder of Equis Research, noted that many Latino voters have traditionally judged anti-immigrant stances as anti-Latino. However, this perspective has shifted in recent years, diminishing Democrats' advantage.

“There are perceptions that Democrats have broken campaign promises to provide pathways to legal status for immigrants, and that Republicans aren’t going to go as far as they say they will with immigration crackdowns,” Odio said.

Recent polls indicate a growing alignment of Latinos with GOP calls for more border control. For example, an NBC News survey found immigration and the border ranked second to inflation as the most important issue for U.S. voters. Less than 30% approved of Biden’s handling of immigration and the border, with Republicans more likely to see it as a top issue.

An April poll from Axios-Ipsos and Noticias Telemundo showed increased support among Latinos for hard-line immigration positions, such as building a wall or fence on the border. Nonetheless, Latinos are still less likely than white Americans to support such measures, according to Pew Research Center.

Immigration Reforms and Executive Actions

Biden's executive order is the latest move in his administration’s immigration strategy. Biden has criticized Trump for blocking a bipartisan bill that included funding for border enforcement, additional visas, and tightened asylum laws. After Republicans thwarted the bill twice, Biden used his executive authority to implement asylum controls.

Democratic and Republican Strategies

Clarissa Martinez de Castro, vice president of the Latino Vote Initiative at UnidosUS, criticized the Biden administration and campaign for not providing a compelling counter-narrative to Republican immigration rhetoric.

“It’s political malpractice. They’re ceding the space and allowing people with a different view to define them,” said Martinez de Castro, whose group recently endorsed Biden in Arizona.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

Immigration has been a challenging issue for Democrats for years. Former President Obama faced criticism for the high number of deportations during his first term, earning the label “deporter in chief.” Republicans later attacked him for failing to fulfill his promise of signing an immigration reform bill within his first 100 days.

In recent years, Republicans have blocked several attempts to pass comprehensive immigration reform, which typically includes pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants coupled with increased border security measures.

In Arizona, Republican legislators have proposed a November ballot measure empowering local authorities to arrest and deport suspected undocumented immigrants, a move reminiscent of the controversial SB1070 law of 2010.

Changing Voter Dynamics

At a recent campaign event for Kari Lake, a Trump-aligned Senate candidate, Yvette Serino, chairwoman of Latinos for Lake, claimed success in converting friends and family to the MAGA cause. Serino, from a prominent Democratic family, noted a shift among local voters toward Republican values, particularly regarding immigration.

Community and Voter Sentiments

Sergio Watson, a small trucking company owner, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of legal immigration. Born in Mexico, Watson highlighted the economy as his primary concern but noted that immigration remains a significant issue.

The New Migrant Dynamics

Today's migrants, unlike those from previous decades, often surrender to authorities and apply for asylum, which grants temporary quasi-legal status and a work permit after six months. This shift has caused some resentment among long-settled undocumented immigrants who feel overlooked.

Luis Reyes, an Arizona State University student from a mixed-status family, acknowledged these tensions but stressed that Biden's administration has made significant efforts in immigration enforcement.

Future of Immigration Policy

Odio suggested that Biden could differentiate himself by showing a commitment to border order while advocating for long-term residents without legal status. This balanced approach could resonate with Latino voters who reject the idea of mass deportations.

Advocates believe there is still time for Biden to regain support by highlighting Trump's harsh immigration policies and promoting his own balanced stance on border control and immigrant rights.

Biden's Executive Actions and Legislative Efforts

In recent years, Republicans have blocked several attempts to pass comprehensive immigration reform. These proposals typically included pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants coupled with increased border security measures. Biden’s executive order aims to enforce asylum controls, reflecting the administration's ongoing effort to address border security concerns.

Local and National Perspectives

In Arizona, Republican legislators have proposed a November ballot measure empowering local authorities to arrest and deport suspected undocumented immigrants, reminiscent of the controversial SB1070 law of 2010. This has intensified debates on immigration policies and their impact on local communities.

At a recent campaign event in Nogales for Kari Lake, a Trump-aligned Senate candidate, Yvette Serino, chairwoman of Latinos for Lake, noted a shift among local voters toward Republican values, particularly regarding immigration.

Sergio Watson, a small trucking company owner, emphasized the importance of legal immigration and noted that the economy remains a primary concern for many voters. Watson, who was born in Mexico, highlighted the significance of border control as an issue close to his heart.

Evolving Dynamics in Immigration and Voter Sentiments

Today's migrants often surrender to authorities and apply for asylum, which grants temporary quasi-legal status and a work permit after six months. This shift has caused some resentment among long-settled undocumented immigrants who feel overlooked by current policies.

Luis Reyes, an Arizona State University student from a mixed-status family, acknowledged these tensions but stressed that Biden's administration has made significant efforts in immigration enforcement. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to address both border security and the rights of long-term residents without legal status.

The Future of Immigration Policy

Advocates believe there is still time for Biden to regain support by highlighting Trump's harsh immigration policies and promoting his own balanced stance on border control and immigrant rights. Odio suggested that Biden could differentiate himself by showing a commitment to border order while advocating for long-term residents without legal status.

This balanced approach could resonate with Latino voters who reject the idea of mass deportations, providing a pathway for Biden to strengthen his position on immigration and gain support from a crucial voter demographic.