Kyrsten Sinema's Border Crusade
Newsweek US|April 14, 2023
The controversial Arizona senator is hoping a win on immigration will help build her rep as a bipartisan dealmaker
ALEX J. ROUHANDEH
Kyrsten Sinema's Border Crusade

AS THE 2024 ELECTION SEASON DRAWS NEAR, immigration policy on the southern border has emerged as a make-or-break issue for both parties. For Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, who recently switched her affiliation from Democrat to independent, it also represents an opportunity-a chance to leave behind a reputation as an obstructionist among some members of her former party and build her image as a bipartisan dealmaker who can get things done in a divided congress.

A deal can come none too soon.

Last month, in what's become an all-too-familiar occurrence, hundreds of migrants tried to rush across the bridge from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, shouting "we want to get through!" On the other side, outnumbered border agents sat behind temporary barriers, ready for confrontation.

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz has acknowledged that morale among his  agents is at an "all-time low" as the agency faces historic migration levels as individuals flee increasing gang violence and economic devastation.

In a show of determination to find a solution that both parties can live with, Sinema, with Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas, co-led a bipartisan group of eight senators to the same area in January. Although border tours by prominent politicians are commonplace these days, this trip was different, Sinema tells Newsweek in an exclusive interview, calling it the "largest bipartisan congressional delegation from the Senate [to the border] in decades." Also in the group: Republicans Jerry Moran of Kansas, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and James Lankford of Oklahoma, plus Democrats Mark Kelly of Arizona, Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Chris Coons of Delaware.

This story is from the April 14, 2023 edition of Newsweek US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 14, 2023 edition of Newsweek US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEWSWEEK USView All
The Next Phase of War
Newsweek US

The Next Phase of War

After thousands of elite soldiers from North Korea joined Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine, how has this latest move affected the conflict?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Saying No to Trump and Men
Newsweek US

Saying No to Trump and Men

The election has led some women to boycott relationships and sex

time-read
7 mins  |
November 29, 2024
My Fight for Equality and Justice
Newsweek US

My Fight for Equality and Justice

It will take more than just science to end AIDS. Inclusion, empathy and compassion are essential, too

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
NEW WORLD ORDER
Newsweek US

NEW WORLD ORDER

HOW LEADERS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE REACTING TO DONALD TRUMP'S REELECTION AS U.S. PRESIDENT

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 29, 2024
America's Best CONTINUING CARE
Newsweek US

America's Best CONTINUING CARE

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, RESTAURANTstyle dining, unlimited pickleball-an impressive number of amenities are becoming standard at Continuing Care Retirement Communities.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Hey, Don't Be So SAD
Newsweek US

Hey, Don't Be So SAD

Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people. Here’s how you can prep your body and mind for darker days

time-read
5 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Newsweek US

Wendi McLendon-Covey

AFTER 10 YEARS OF PLAYING BEVERLY GOLDBERG ON THE GOLDBERGS, Wendi McLendon-Covey was not eager for a break. \"I need to go do a job where I can just throw everything at it and then come home totally exhausted.\"

time-read
1 min  |
November 22, 2024
'I'm the Highest Earner in Esports'
Newsweek US

'I'm the Highest Earner in Esports'

Johan \"NOtail\" Sundstein has won over $7 million but says, \"I don't really crave that status.... I play for my own reasons\"

time-read
6 mins  |
November 22, 2024
AMERICA'S BEST Weight Loss CLINICS & CENTERS 2025
Newsweek US

AMERICA'S BEST Weight Loss CLINICS & CENTERS 2025

WHETHER IT'S FOR MEAL PLANS, PROFESSIONAL guidance or access to medications like GLP-1s, weight loss clinics can offer personalized assistance for those hoping to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 22, 2024
AMERICA'S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW VEHICAL 2025
Newsweek US

AMERICA'S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW VEHICAL 2025

WHETHER IT'S A NEWLY IMAGined sport utility vehicle or the re-emergence of a highly regarded halo car, the vehicles coming to market in 2025 prove that Americans' attitudes about personal transportation are diverse and are being served from all angles.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 22, 2024