Southern AZ Rep. Ciscomani Warns: Comprehensive Immigration Reform Unlikely in D.C.

During a recent State of the District breakfast held at Oro Valley’s El Conquistador Resort, Congressman Juan Ciscomani addressed local business leaders and stakeholders on the significance of bipartisan cooperation in Washington. “I’m proud of taking that notion to Washington, to make sure that we can work with people that we don’t always agree with,” he stated while engaging in a Q&A session with Southern Arizona Leadership Council CEO Ted Maxwell.

As he represents Congressional District 6—covering Tucson’s East Side and surrounding suburbs like Oro Valley and Marana, as well as precincts in Cochise, Pinal, Graham, and Greenlee counties—Ciscomani is gearing up for a rematch against Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel in the upcoming November election. This race is anticipated to be one of the most fiercely contested in the nation.

Immigration reform emerged as a pivotal topic in the discussion. Ciscomani emphasized the need for border security, acknowledging the complexity of public perceptions about immigration. “We need to secure the border,” he asserted, stressing that both positive and negative factors contribute to the immigration landscape. He called for constructive dialogue aimed at finding real solutions rather than sensational headlines.

The congressman also expressed support for immigration law reforms that would facilitate the entry of foreign workers and provide legal status for Dreamers—individuals brought to the United States as children. However, he expressed skepticism about the feasibility of comprehensive immigration reform due to the multitude of provisions typically included in such packages. “I wish it was different,” he remarked, highlighting that both political parties have failed to address the issue effectively during their respective tenures in power.

Ciscomani criticized the recent Border Act of 2024, a bipartisan proposal crafted by Senators Kyrsten Sinema, James Lankford, and Chris Murphy. This draft emphasized enforcement measures but faced backlash from various Republican factions, including Donald Trump, who condemned the bill. Ciscomani stated that the current legislation needs to be “much tougher” to adequately address the border crisis, specifically referencing the challenges faced by the Tucson sector.

In light of the resistance from Republican leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson’s declaration that the bill was “dead on arrival,” Ciscomani maintained that while he opposed the Senate bill, he remained open to bipartisan efforts in shaping immigration legislation. “Had that made it over to the House, I would have been at the table to work on this,” he asserted, clarifying that constructive criticism does not equate to a refusal to collaborate.

As the only freshman congressman on the House Appropriations Committee, Ciscomani highlighted his commitment to securing federal funds for local projects. He defended his record, stating, “I get criticized for this, but I’ll stand by it, for bringing federal dollars back to the district.” He detailed several initiatives funded through federal dollars, including infrastructure improvements in Duncan, Oro Valley, and enhancements for the Tucson Police Department. He noted that his efforts contributed to an estimated $60 million in funding for projects in his district over the past two years.

In addition, Ciscomani’s office has prioritized responsiveness to veterans’ needs, assuring support regardless of their location. “If you’re a veteran, I don’t care where you call from, we’re going to go to work on your behalf,” he concluded, underscoring his commitment to supporting the veteran community.