Andrea Marcanti / Arizona Silver Belt Pictured above Arizona Senator Jon Kyl with President of the Cattle Growers Association David Cook.

GLOBE — U.S. Senator for Arizona, Jon Kyl, traveled to Globe on Friday, April 9 to meet with the Cattle Growers Association. Kyl started off calling it an “informal conversation” and after a short opening statement, he asked the public to “tell me what I need to know.” A whole range of issues were addressed and Kyl not only expressed a sincere understanding for the public’s concerns, but also showed a deep knowledge of various issues brought up by members of the public.

Illegal Immigration

The first issue brought up was the violence along the U.S.-Mexican border that is now spreading beyond the border region. Kyl reported conferring with border control and law enforcement in Yuma and Cochise counties.

Their implementation of Operation Streamline has brought illegal immigration along those borders nearly to a standstill compared to what it used to be. Nevertheless, the drug trafficking remains a serious problem. The drug traffickers are extremely violent and have the funding for innovative methods of crossing the border. Kyl criticized President Barack Obama’s budget, which Kyl said does not go far enough to provide necessary funds to implement a realistic prevention strategies.

Kyl was then asked to address the message being sent by the government with its amnesty policy and if this were not counterproductive to attempts to stop illegal immigration. Kyl responded that the government needs to do better visa controlling. Many people enter the country on legal visas, but never leave. China, Kyl pointed out, keeps track of everyone who enters the country and when they are required to leave. If a person is not recorded in the system as having left, the authorities begin looking for the person. The U.S. does not implement such policies. Kyl was also skeptical of the possibility to get such legislation passed anytime soon, giving authorities the ability to enforce visa restrictions.

Resolution Copper Mine

In response to questions by the public, Kyl addressed the proposed land swap for Resolution Copper Mine. The proposal is - was - good, but the bill is being held up and loaded down with other interests. “The legislation is worsening,” Kyl reported, adding “I have a limit of what I will accept in the bill. If it continues to be loaded with other interests, I will ultimately have to vote no.” While sitting down with the Silver Belt, Kyl explained further that Resolution has been diligent in complying with the demands made, but each time one demand is met, opponents demand something new. “It is bad legislation now,” imparted Kyl.





For the complete article see the 04-14-2010 issue.

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