North Pima News

In a recent communication to President Biden, Rep. Julie Willoughby (R-Ariz.) and her fellow Arizona House Republicans expressed their disapproval of the current border control policies. The lawmakers also took issue with the Biden Administration's decision to close the Lukeville port of entry.

According to Rep. Willoughby, "Looking at those crossing the border in droves, they are largely military-aged men, not families in search of a better life as Democrats continually claim". She further asserted that "Your open-border approach to immigration is a national threat that will have disastrous impacts on the entire country."

Willoughby co-authored this letter along with 31 other House Republicans, including Reps. Quang Nguyen (R-Ariz.), Alexander Kolodin (R-Ariz.), Joseph Chaplik (R-Ariz.), David Cook (R-Ariz.), Matt Gress (R-Ariz.), among others. In their letter, these lawmakers pointed out issues such as a 40% increase in southwest border encounters since 2021, nearly 200 attempts by migrants on the terrorist watch list to cross, apprehension of Chinese nationals amid United States-China tensions, and the recent closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry.

The lawmakers wrote in their letter: "The decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry as a solution to the crisis you created is unacceptable and must be reversed immediately," adding that "It is no secret why the border is overwhelmed. Your anti-American open-border policy sent a message to the world: that there will be no consequences for illegal immigration. The real solution is simple. Reverse your policy and put a halt to the wide-open door for so-called 'asylum-seekers'."

In December, Lukeville - one of the busiest ports - was closed in an attempt to address a surge in illegal migrant crossings. There has been no official announcement regarding how long this closure will last, which has led Arizona lawmakers to express their dissatisfaction with the Biden Administration's decision. According to an article from the Associated Press, this closure is negatively impacting businesses and individuals, as legal cross-border activities like shopping, dining, and school commutes for some Mexican children have been disrupted.

The lawmakers wrote in their letter: "Border states in particular are significantly harmed by your administration’s failed policies every day," adding that "Our law enforcement agencies at the border are overextended. Healthcare providers in border communities are overworked to such an extent that they are struggling to provide essential services to the residents of their community in need of care. Your decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry is just the latest in a long stream of irresponsible policies from your administration that fail to keep Arizona citizens, and all Americans, safe from criminal activity at the border."

Willoughby has been representing District 13 since May, having been selected to fill the position vacated by Rep. Liz Harris (R-Ariz.). She holds a B.S. in registered nursing from Arizona State University and currently serves as a trauma ER registered nurse with HonorHealth, according to Ballotpedia.