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CEO Hamer: “Closing the U.S.-Mexico border is the absolute wrong way to address the issue of increased migrant flows from Central America. President Trump’s decision not to close the border is the correct one.”

PHOENIX (April 4, 2019)—Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer released the following statement in response to President Trump’s comments on a potential border closure [Washington Post: Trump backs off threat to close southern border immediately…]:

“Closing the U.S.-Mexico border is the absolute wrong way to address the issue of increased migrant flows from Central America. President Trump’s decision not to close the border is the correct one.

“A secure, efficiently managed border is essential to the economic health of Arizona and the rest of the country. Not only is Mexico Arizona’s number one trade partner, it is the first or second-ranked trading partner of 26 other states. The U.S. relationship with Mexico is responsible for nearly $2 billion in two-way trade per day. Closing the border would be a self-inflicted economic catastrophe.

“Arizona’s business community will continue to work with our congressional delegation and the administration to advance policy solutions that enhance border security, address the very real challenge of migration from Central America, and that ensure legitimate trade and travel can continue to flow through sufficiently staffed, well-managed ports of entry.”

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