WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Greg Stanton issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order blocking green cards from being issued to individuals legally immigrating to the United States.

“This executive order hurts Arizona, and only serves to demonize and scapegoat immigrants. Our nation is in crisis and rather than put all of his effort behind protecting the American people, the President has taken his eye off the ball.

Immigrants strengthen our economy.  They are entrepreneurs, small business owners, people who hire Americans and go on to become Americans themselves. Nearly one in five of my constituents is an immigrant, and their many contributions make our state better. They are health care workers, teachers, and parents; they are our neighbors, friends, and first responders. They are job creators, scientists, and investors—many of whom are granted a visa explicitly because they have demonstrated their experience and promise.

I urge the President to refocus his efforts on fighting COVID-19 by rapidly expanding testing, providing critical resources to health care workers and hospitals, and supporting small businesses.”

The President said his order would initially be in effect for 60 days with the possibility to extend it. Tuesday night, he said his decision was made as a move to protect American jobs, despite record high unemployment rates and evidence that immigration has a positive effect on the American workforce and wages.  [Source]

Stanton recently called for an automatic extension of work authorizations for DACA recipients, noting that there are more than 6,800 DACA recipients in Arizona considered essential workers—including 1,000 in health care professions.