According to a press release, Senator Michael Bennet recently visited Mexico City to gather information for his work on the Americas Act and to address the urgent issues surrounding the U.S. immigration system. During his visit, Bennet met with key stakeholders, including U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, Senator Xóchitl Gálvez, and Mexican civil society and business leaders.
Bennet highlighted the potential for collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico on various fronts, such as economic prosperity, democracy, and combating illegal drug and weapon trades. He emphasized the "enormous opportunity" for both countries to work together effectively.
The senator also took the time to tour border facilities in Tucson and Nogales, Arizona. He met with officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, visited U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations facilities, and engaged with NGOs providing assistance to migrants.
Bennet expressed concern about the unsustainable situation at the Southwestern U.S. border and its extensive impact on cities across the nation, including Denver. He stressed the need for immediate action to reform the immigration system, citing America's history as a nation of immigrants and its commitment to the rule of law.
The press release also highlighted Bennet's previous involvement in immigration reform efforts. In 2013, he was part of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" senators who worked on the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Although the legislation passed in the Senate, it ultimately stalled in the House of Representatives.
Furthermore, the press release emphasized Bennet's consistent support for offering citizenship pathways for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status recipients. He has also led Senate initiatives to reform the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers visa program. Bennet currently serves on both the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Finance Committee.
