AZ guest worker idea needs consideration, scrutiny

On the Mexican border at Nogales port-of-entry

TUCSON -- A state guest worker program has been proposed in the Legislature by Sen. Marsha Arzberger (D-Willcox).

While I support the concept of a fair and secure guest worker program, I share the questions and concerns of US Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ7), Rebekah Friend, Gov. Janet Napolitano and others in Howie Fischer's article.

Immigration is a federal responsibility, and it's clear border states are very frustrated. Due to federal failures to overhaul our broken system, states are desperate to find solutions to the border and immigration crisis.

The challenge is to let people and workers move back and forth through the ports-of-entry, and not sustain or expand an exploitable labor underclass that drives down US wages.

The sad fact is the longer Washington fails to act, the more immigrants will die in the desert.