One of the few elected Democrats in Arizona is hoping to save a federal program that helps the children of immigrants.
Kyrsten Sinema admits to keeping a low profile while winning re-election to her Phoenix-based district last year because she was dismayed with divisive politics in the election.
But Sinema says she’s committed to making sure that the DACA program stays in place. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals was started by the Obama administration in 2012 to help immigrant minors receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for work permits.
“They’re graduating from high schools, they’re contributing to our economy, they’re serving our nation in the military, they’re working hard in college, and I do believe they deserve a path to citizenship. So, I’ll continue stand up, not just for these kids, but frankly for Arizona and our economy. We need these bright young people," she said.
Sinema also promised to prioritize improving veterans care through the troubled VA system and working on a compromise to find the middle ground with majority Republicans.
On the incoming president, she hopes Donald Trump ultimately believes in “bipartisanship and practicality” as he governs.