Arizona BRACES for Thousands of Asylum Seekers on the Streets

Arizona cities are on high alert as the imminent cutoff of federal funding threatens to unleash a crisis with thousands of asylum seekers potentially released onto the streets. Since 2019, Arizona has been a significant transit point for migrants with valid asylum claims, facilitated by a network of government agencies and nonprofits. These entities have ensured migrants are temporarily sheltered and then transported to their final destinations across the country. However, the drying up of federal funds means this critical support infrastructure is at risk. Customs and Border Protection has processed nearly half a million asylum seekers in Arizona alone, routing them through cities like Douglas, Nogales, Yuma, Tucson, Casa Grande, and even Phoenix. The potential for large-scale street releases poses a dire scenario for local communities, as state and local officials scramble for solutions amidst budget constraints. The situation highlights the broader national debate on immigration policy and border management.