1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I write to you today as a concerned Arizonan who believes our immigration system must reflect the values of compassion, justice, and responsibility—especially when it comes to protecting children. I urge you to take leadership in reviving the spirit of the McCain-Kennedy immigration reform bill, with a renewed focus on safeguarding minors and young people caught in the chaos of our current policies. Arizona has long stood at the heart of America’s immigration debate. We are also home to the legacy of Senator John McCain, who understood that immigration reform was not merely a matter of border enforcement or economic policy—it was a moral imperative. The McCain-Kennedy bill offered a balanced, bipartisan framework that strengthened border security while providing humane pathways to legal status, family reunification, and protections for vulnerable populations. That vision is more urgent now than ever. Today, thousands of children—many unaccompanied—are being held in detention centers or sent into immigration court without legal representation. Some are as young as toddlers, expected to navigate a complex legal system alone. These children are not criminals. They are survivors—fleeing violence, poverty, and persecution. Detaining them in militarized facilities or deporting them into dangerous conditions is not security; it is a failure of conscience. Arizona’s own history reminds us of the consequences of such failures. During World War II, our state hosted two of the largest Japanese American internment camps—Gila River and Poston—on tribal lands, despite opposition from Native communities. That legacy should serve as a warning: fear-driven policies leave lasting scars, especially on children. Today, Fort Bliss—a WWII internment site—is being repurposed to detain migrants, including minors. The parallels are chilling. Reviving the McCain-Kennedy framework would allow us to correct course. I urge you to support legislation that guarantees legal representation for minors, provides alternatives to detention, and includes safeguards against trafficking and abuse. These are not partisan goals—they are human ones. They reflect the values of faith, family, and fairness that Arizona voters hold dear. You have the opportunity to be a voice of reason and compassion in a polarized debate. By championing humane immigration reform, you would honor Senator McCain’s legacy and reaffirm Arizona’s commitment to justice. Let us build a system that protects the innocent, respects the rule of law, and reflects the best of who we are. Thank you for your service and for considering this urgent call to action.